$500 Million for Survivors of Child Sex Abuse

Queensland will pay its share to survivors of sexual abuse in government run institutions.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was an important milestone acknowledging the suffering of those abused in care.

“Although no amount of money can return a lost childhood it is important that we acknowledge what these victims have been through,” the Premier said.

Queensland will opt in to the National Redress Scheme which was the key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The Premier called on institutions run by non-government organisations to follow suit.

10,000 Queenslanders are expected to be eligible: 5,000 abused in government institutions and another 5,000 in non-government institutions.

Survivors compensated under the $100 million 1999 Forde Inquiry can be further compensated under national redress.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said Queensland is working with the Commonwealth and other states to finalise the design of the scheme.

“This money will support healing and recovery which is, frankly, the least we can do,” the Deputy Premier said.

Child Safety Minister Di Farmer said applications are expected to be open by late 2018.

“Queensland has already taken significant steps to implement recommendations of the royal commission but this is the most important step,” the Minister said.

Redress is provided to eligible applicants through three ways:

1. a monetary payment

2. access to counselling and psychological care

3. the option to receive a direct personal response from the institution responsible for providing the redress (e.g. an apology or a meeting with a senior representative). 

• Subject to the passage of the Federal Government’s legislation through the Australian Parliament, the Scheme will start on 1 July 2018. Monetary payments under the Scheme are intended to provide a recognition of the harm suffered, and are not full compensation. 

• Payments will range up to $150,000, assessed by the Scheme on a case by case basis, taking into account the circumstances in each individual application.

For more on National Redress: 1800 146 713 or www.dss.gov.au/redress

Media Contact: Shane Doherty 0439 624 473