The National Redress Scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
It was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia. The Scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency is part of the Scheme, so people can access redress where they were abused at institutions that were run by the Commonwealth.
Some people may also be eligible for the Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme. This Scheme is open for applications from 1 March 2022 to 28 February 2026. The Scheme recognises the harm and trauma caused to Stolen Generations survivors who were removed from their families or communities in the Northern Territory or the Australian Capital Territory before self‑government, or in the Jervis Bay Territory. Please note, payments made under this scheme will not impact payments from the National Redress Scheme as the schemes are for two different purposes.
Redress Support Services
Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available to help National Redress Scheme applicants. They can support you before, during and after you apply for redress. Services can provide practical and emotional support, legal advice, and financial counselling.
The knowmore legal service is a free independent legal service for anyone who is considering applying for redress under the National Redress Scheme. knowmore can assist you:
- with information on the options available to you, including access to compensation through other schemes and common law rights and claims
- prior to the application, to ensure you understand the requirements and the application process
- after you receive an offer of redress and you elect to seek an internal review of the decision
- with advice on the effect of accepting an offer and what that means for future claims.
More information
For more information on the National Redress Scheme, visit the National Redress Scheme website or call the National Redress Information Line on 1800 737 377.