National Redress Scheme

The Government of South Australia is a member of the National Redress Scheme, which provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

The Scheme was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia.

The Scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years.

Who can access the National Redress Scheme?

From 1 February, 2019, people who were abused in South Australian government institutions may apply for redress under the Scheme.

People who experienced institutional child sexual abuse that occurred in South Australian non-government institutions (such as church bodies, charities and community organisations) that have declared their participation in the Scheme may also apply to access redress.

What is Redress?

Redress is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts. The Scheme can provide three things:

  • access to counselling
  • a payment
  • a direct personal response from the institution (e.g. an apology) for people who want it

Redress support services

Free and confidential Redress support services are available throughout the process and can help explain the Scheme and who can apply.

For more information, visit National Redress Scheme website or call the National Redress Scheme line on 1800 737 377.