10 Dec 2018 – 16:30
On Monday 10 December 2018, the Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher hosted the first Ministers’ Redress Scheme Governance Board (Board) meeting since the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) commenced. Mr Fletcher was joined by relevant Ministers with responsibility for the Redress Scheme in their state or territory.
The National Redress Scheme commenced on 1 July 2018 following recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Board was formed on commencement of the Scheme and its role is to provide governance and oversight of the Scheme.
The Board noted that 11 non-government institutions (NGIs) have successfully commenced in the Scheme including the first group of Anglican Church entities, comprising four dioceses, four Anglican organisations, and two organisations that represent 15 Anglican schools.
The Board noted that over 20 payments had been made to date and 12 offers for redress are with applicants for consideration.
The Board noted that the biggest constraint on offers of redress being made is that many NGIs have not yet joined the Scheme. The Board expressed the strong view that NGIs should seek to join the Scheme as soon as possible given the impact on survivors of the delay.
The Board indicated that it intends to commence public reporting on the Scheme early in the New Year, including reporting as to which institutions have, and those that have not, joined the Scheme.
The Board discussed feedback received to date from survivors and directed officials to monitor the continued operation of the Scheme in the light of that feedback.
