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National Redress Scheme and OPG

The Commonwealth-run National Redress Scheme has been developed in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations.

The National Redress Scheme, which started on 1 July 2018, will run for 10 years and seeks to ensure that the institutions that were responsible for the abuse, acknowledge the harm that was caused and provide redress. Redress is an alternative to pursuing civil litigation through the courts.

The Scheme:

  • acknowledges that many children were sexually abused in Australian institutions
  • recognises the impact and suffering endured because of this abuse
  • holds institutions accountable for this abuse, and
  • provides access to counselling and psychological care services, a monetary payment, and a direct personal response for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is committed to supporting people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse. OPG has staff members dedicated to processing requests for information from the Commonwealth, to locate and provide documents that we hold to help support a person’s claim.

What the Scheme can provide

The Scheme can provide support in three ways:

  • a redress payment
  • up to 20 hours of counselling and psychological care
  • an apology from the responsible institution.

Eligibility criteria exist for redress applications, with assessments determined by independent decision makers.

Who can apply

A person can choose to apply to the National Redress Scheme if they:

  • experienced institutional child sexual abuse before 1 July 2018, and
  • are aged over 18 or will turn 18 before 30 June 2028, and
  • are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and
  • are applying for redress from an institution that has joined the National Redress Scheme, and
  • apply between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2027.

There are some circumstances which will mean that an application is assessed differently.

How to apply

All applications should be made directly to the National Redress Scheme. Further information about the Scheme, eligibility and how to apply is available on the National Redress Scheme website, or through the National Redress Scheme Information Line on 1800 737 377.

Please note that the Public Guardian is not able to assist clients to apply to the Scheme.

Finding help and support

Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available for people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

These support services will provide timely access to trauma-informed and culturally appropriate support. These services can also assist people to prepare and submit their application, and provide support as they receive a decision on their application.

Independent free legal advice is provided through knowmore, who can assist survivors of abuse by providing information and advice about the justice and redress options that may be available to them.

Institutions that have joined the Scheme

Use the link to find out more about the institutions that have joined the Scheme, so they can provide redress to people who experienced child sexual abuse in relation to their institution.

Immediate 24 hour support is available