Released 01/07/2018
ACT survivors of institutional child sexual abuse can access the National Redress Scheme from today.
Today represents an important step forward for people who experienced child sexual abuse in institutions in the ACT.
The ACT has joined the Commonwealth and all other States and Territories to ensure survivors have the chance to receive acknowledgement and recognition of the harm caused to contribute to the healing process.
Through the scheme survivors can access counselling and psychological services, a direct personal response from the institution where the abuse occurred and a monetary payment of up to $150,000.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said providing survivors of institutional child sexual abuse with the support they deserve was a priority for the Government.
“We acknowledge that the survivors of child sexual abuse suffer long lasting and severe damage that can affect them for the rest of their lives,” Minister Ramsay said.
“This process is about healing, while accepting the system failed every single person in Australia who suffered sexual abuse in an institution that was meant to protect them.”
In addition to participating in the Redress Scheme, the Government has also accepted the overwhelming majority of the recommendations in the Royal Commission’s Criminal Justice and other reports.
In the 2018-19 Budget, the Government allocated $13.9 million for the first four years of the National Redress Scheme, ensuring the ACT can deliver redress payments, counselling and psychological care and direct personal responses.
The Redress Scheme was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutionalised Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases