Redress Intergovernmental Agreement

Redress intergovernmental agreement: What it means and why it matters

The Redress Scheme is an important initiative that provides survivors of institutional child sexual abuse in Australia with access to support, counselling, and compensation. The scheme was established in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which found that many children had suffered abuse while in the care of government institutions.

To ensure that survivors receive the support they need, the federal government has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with each state and territory. This agreement sets out the framework for the delivery of redress payments, counselling services, and other forms of support to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

The Redress Scheme works by offering survivors three key elements: redress payments, counselling, and a direct personal response. Redress payments provide financial compensation to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, with payments ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 depending on the severity of the abuse. Counselling services are available to help survivors deal with the impact of the abuse, and a direct personal response allows survivors to tell their story and receive an apology from the institution responsible.

The Redress Scheme is an important step forward in acknowledging the harm that has been done to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. It is also a way for institutions to take responsibility for their actions and to demonstrate their commitment to preventing similar abuses from happening in the future.

The intergovernmental agreement between the federal government and the states and territories is essential for the effective delivery of the Redress Scheme. It ensures that survivors across Australia have access to the same level of support and compensation, regardless of where they live. It also ensures that institutions are held accountable for their actions and that they take steps to prevent future abuse.

In conclusion, the Redress Scheme and the intergovernmental agreement between the federal government and the states and territories are important initiatives that provide survivors of institutional child sexual abuse with the support and compensation they need. By acknowledging the harm that has been done and taking steps to prevent future abuse, we can create a safer and more just society for all.