Queensland Government remains committed to Redress Scheme

Published Friday, 19 November, 2021 at 02:54 PM

Minister for Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Leanne Linard

Today marks three years since the Queensland Government committed to implementing the National Redress Scheme and supporting the many Queenslanders who experienced historical childhood sexual abuse.

Minister for Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard said the Queensland Government remained committed to listening and supporting people with lived experience of institutional childhood sexual abuse.

The National Redress Scheme was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and provides eligible people with compensation, a direct personal response from the responsible institution, and access to counselling and psychological care.

To date, the Queensland Government has paid out more than $95 million through the scheme and linked more than 109 people with ongoing counselling and psychological services.  More than 672 people have indicated they may wish to receive a direct response from Queensland Government representatives.

“Childhood sexual abuse has a lifelong impact on victims and their loved ones.  Survivors were let down in the worst possible way by those who were meant to keep them safe,” Ms Linard said.

“We can never take away the pain and trauma that people have experienced, but we can learn from the past and make amends where possible.”

Nationally more than 459 organisations and state and territory governments have joined the scheme.  There have been over 12,000 applications received and more than 6,000 payments made totalling over $563 million.

“Until institutions responsible for this abuse join the scheme, survivors cannot get the closure they need and deserve,” Ms Linard said.

“Queensland institutions and organisations who have joined the scheme have shown a willingness and commitment to providing help for survivors and I commend their moral leadership. I strongly encourage more Queensland organisations to step up.”

The Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce was established in 2018 to support the Queensland Government’s response to the Royal Commission. The Taskforce is currently travelling the state, connecting with Queenslanders through a range of forums. 

The Taskforce is raising community awareness, advocating for more support services for people with lived experience and their families, and providing opportunities for people to share their stories and learn more about the National Redress Scheme.

The scheme will run for 10 years, and applications are open until 30 June 2027. For more information visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or telephone 1800 737 377.

ENDS

Media Contact: Catherine Baker, Senior Media Advisor, tel: 0498 844 783