LINDA BURNEY MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES
MEMBER FOR BARTON
MARK DREYFUS MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
ANDREW LEIGH MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR TREASURY
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CHARITIES
MEMBER FOR FENNER
SHARON CLAYDON MP
DEPUTY CHAIR, JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL REDRESS SCHEME
MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE
LET’S GET REDRESS WORKING FOR SURVIVORS
Labor is proposing to work with the Government to get the National Redress Scheme working for survivors again.
Eight years since the announcement of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, survivors are getting older and many are still waiting for Redress, and some are tragically dying and missing out altogether.
The Royal Commission estimated 60,000 survivors would be eligible for Redress.
Yet, as of September 2020, the Scheme has only made 3,498 payments; and is still processing 3,187 applications.
The Scheme that was ultimately rolled out by the Government did not fully realise the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
Labor’s proposed amendments to the scheme will make it more like the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
Labor is willing to work constructively with the Government to get the scheme working and delivering Redress for survivors.
Fixing the National Redress Scheme should not be put in the ‘too-hard basket’; and changes do not need to jeopardise any aspect of the Scheme.
With leadership – and in co-operation with states, territories and institutions – the Government can do the right thing for survivors.
WEDNESDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2020
