The Joint Standing Committee on the Implementation of the National Redress Scheme has today tabled its report, following its inquiry into the operation of the National Redress Scheme. The report “Redress: Journey to Justice” was agreed to by all committee members.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 26 November 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on the Implementation of the National Redress Scheme has today tabled its report, following its inquiry into the operation of the National Redress Scheme. The report “Redress: Journey to Justice” was agreed to by all committee members. Committee Chair, Senator Catryna Bilyk, said, ‘we acknowledge what the Scheme has achieved for many survivors, as well as the hard work and effort that goes into administering the Scheme. However, the Committee’s unanimous findings have highlighted barriers to accessing the Scheme, which need to be addressed to ensure no further harm is done to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse’. The Deputy Chair, Senator Dean Smith, said ‘we thank the many members of the public who bravely shared their experiences with the Committee. You have been heard and the report’s recommendations reflect your vital insights.’ The report makes 29 recommendations, which focus on the accessibility, performance and effectiveness of the Scheme. This includes whether the Scheme is meeting the needs of victims and survivors who are seeking redress, whether those needs will be met before the Scheme is due to cease in 2028, and whether the Scheme fairly and accurately assesses the needs of each survivor seeking redress. The Committee has also recommended improving the accessibility of quality legal advice, and support services, for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse seeking redress. The Committee urges all named institutions and governments to work together to continue National Redress Scheme reform. The Committee sincerely appreciates the contributions made by survivors to the inquiry. The full report of the inquiry can be found on the Committee’s inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its https://www.aph.gov.au/redress.   The Committee does not decide who is given redress. You should contact the National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377 to apply for redress or to find out the status of your existing application.

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme anticipates it will finish its inquiry into the operation of the National Redress Scheme in November 2024.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 6 November 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme anticipates it will finish its inquiry into the operation of the National Redress Scheme in November 2024. Over the course of the inquiry, the Committee has received over 50 submissions and held 11 public hearings. Evidence received has highlighted areas the Committee has examined including: the experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates barriers and complications experienced when accessing the Scheme, such as with language, communication and cultural safety the need for increased resources for redress legal services and counselling support services to better meet demand and reduce long waiting periods concerns regarding delays processing applications, the consistency of redress outcomes and the transparency of decisions. Senator Catryna Bilyk, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme, said: ‘The Committee is grateful for the submissions received later in the inquiry and is taking the time needed to ensure this evidence is considered. This has resulted in the expected completion of the inquiry to be extended from October to November.’ ‘The evidence we have received has been extremely important to this inquiry and the Committee is working hard to consider this evidence carefully and respectfully in the drafting of its report. The Committee appreciates the efforts taken by contributors of this inquiry and hopes to provide a report that reflects the evidence provided throughout the inquiry.’ Media enquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at www.aph.gov.au/redress. 

The Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme to hear from the Department of Social Services.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 20 August 2024

The Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme to hear from the Department of Social Services. At a public hearing on 2 August 2024, the Committee heard evidence from survivors who recalled their experiences seeking redress. This evidence has prompted the Committee to invite the Department of Social Services to a public hearing to hear their views. Committee Chair Senator Catryna Bilyk said: ‘We greatly appreciate the bravery and courage shown by survivors who came forward to tell their stories. We are progressing towards completing the inquiry.’ ‘If you have been thinking of making a submission, you should send it to us soon. You can ask the Committee to keep your evidence and your name confidential.’ Submissions to the inquiry close on 2 September 2024 and the Committee is expecting to report in October 2024. If you would like to make a submission or find out more, please email the Committee Secretariat at redress@aph.gov.au or check the Committee’s webpage. A discussion paper aims to provide guidance to individuals and organisations interested in making submissions to the inquiry. Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available. Public hearing details Wednesday 21 August 2024 8:00am to around 9:00am (Canberra time) Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament then click on a link marked ‘live streaming’ or visit https://www.youtube.com/@AUSParliamentLive. Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress.

A parliamentary committee inquiring into the operation of the National Redress Scheme is expecting to finish its inquiry in October 2024.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 15 August 2024

A parliamentary committee inquiring into the operation of the National Redress Scheme is expecting to finish its inquiry in October 2024. If you have been thinking about making a written submission, you should send it to redress@aph.gov.au as soon as possible. Submissions will close on 2 September 2024. The National Redress Scheme was established in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Committee’s role is to oversee implementation of the Royal Commission’s redress-related recommendations. Making a submission If you would like to make a submission or find out more, please email the Committee Secretariat at redress@aph.gov.au or check the Committee’s webpage. Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available. A discussion paper aims to provide guidance to individuals and organisations interested in making submissions to the inquiry. You can ask the Committee to keep your submission confidential. Planned public hearing The Committee is planning a public hearing at 8:00am next Wednesday 21 August 2024. The Department of Social Services has been invited to respond to evidence heard at a recent public hearing. Please check the Committee’s website next week for details. Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress. The Committee does not decide who is given redress. You should contact the National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377 to apply for redress or to find out the status of your existing application.

The Committee will hold a public hearing on Friday for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme to hear from knowmore Legal Service, who provide free legal advice and support to people applying for redress, and survivors about their experience accessing the Scheme.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 1 August 2024

The Committee will hold a public hearing on Friday for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme to hear from knowmore Legal Service, who provide free legal advice and support to people applying for redress, and survivors about their experience accessing the Scheme. The inquiry is looking into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. A program for the public hearing will be available on the Committee’s website shortly. Committee Chair Senator Catryna Bilyk said: ‘Throughout the inquiry, survivors and redress support services have told us about many different barriers that people experience when applying for redress. For example, we have heard evidence that suggests the redress application form can be hard to fill out, redress outcomes can be confusing or that the Scheme can be hard to contact.’ ‘The Committee hopes to learn more about these barriers at Friday’s public hearing. This will assist us with making recommendations to government on how the Scheme could be improved.’ Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available. Public hearing details Friday 2 August 2024 10:00am to approximately 4:00pm (Canberra time) Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament then click on a link marked ‘live streaming’ or visit https://www.youtube.com/@AUSParliamentLive. Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress.

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will hold a public hearing for its inquiry into the National Redress Scheme.

Media release issue date: Friday, 5 April 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will hold a public hearing on Monday for its inquiry into the National Redress Scheme. The Committee will hear evidence from knowmore, who provide free legal advice and support to redress applicants, as well as the Department of Social Services, which is responsible for administering the Scheme. The public hearing will commence at 10.00am (Canberra time). Committee Chair Senator Catryna Bilyk said: ‘The Committee has heard evidence from applicants and their advocates about how some redress outcomes have been assessed. We intend to provide an opportunity for the Department of Social Services to respond to this evidence.’ ‘This will assist the Committee with making recommendations to government on how the Scheme could be improved.’ The Committee is continuing to accept submissions. There is no fixed closing date. Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide on how to make a submission is also available. Public hearing details Monday 8 April 2024 10.00am to approximately 1.00pm (Canberra time) Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress.

The Committee will be holding a public hearing for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 22 November 2023

The Committee will be holding a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme. Legal practitioners, support services and advocates are among witnesses scheduled to give evidence. The public hearing will commence at 9:30am AEDT (Canberra time). The program is available on the Committee’s website. The inquiry is looking into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. The Committee is continuing to accept written submissions. Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available. Public hearing details Thursday 23 November 2023 9:30am to around 4:45pm AEDT (Canberra time) Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress.

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will be holding a public hearing for its inquiry into the National Redress Scheme.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 19 October 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will be holding a public hearing tomorrow for its inquiry into the National Redress Scheme. The public hearing will commence at 9.30am AEDT (Canberra time). The program is available on the Committee’s website. The inquiry is looking into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. Committee Chair Senator Catryna Bilyk said: ‘Throughout the inquiry, the Committee has heard about many challenges and barriers that prevent survivors from accessing the Scheme. ‘Tomorrow’s public hearing will hear from redress support services and the Department of Social Services. This evidence will assist the Committee with gathering evidence to make recommendations to government on how the Scheme could be improved.’ Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available. Public hearing details Friday, 20 October 2023 9:30am to around 2:15pm AEDT (Canberra time) Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress. 

The Committee on the National Redress Scheme will be holding a public hearing for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme. The Committee will hear evidence from People With Disability Australia.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 12 September 2023

The Committee on the National Redress Scheme will be holding a public hearing this evening for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme. The Committee will hear evidence from People With Disability Australia commencing at 6:00pm. The inquiry is looking into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available. Public hearing details Tuesday 12 September 2023 6:00pm to around 6:45pm (Canberra time) Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at www.aph.gov.au/redress.

A parliamentary committee inquiring into the operation of the National Redress Scheme is continuing to look closely into a range of areas.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 9 August 2023

A parliamentary committee inquiring into the operation of the National Redress Scheme is continuing to look closely into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. While the Committee inquiry continues to explore the issues raised, examples of matters brought to the Committee’s attention include: Barriers and complications experienced when accessing the Scheme, such as with language, communication and cultural safety. The need for increased resources for redress legal services and counselling support services to better meet demand and reduce long waiting periods. Concerns regarding delays processing applications, the consistency of redress outcomes and the transparency of decisions. About the inquiry Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide to making a submission is also available. Senator Catryna Bilyk, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme, said: ‘The Committee has received important evidence to date, and we thank those people who have come forward to share with us this valuable information. We are committed to continuing our inquiry into any issues that people wish to raise about the operation of the National Redress Scheme.’ The National Redress Scheme was established in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Committee’s role is to oversee implementation of the Royal Commission’s redress-related recommendations. More information about the inquiry is available on the Committee’s webpage. Submissions The Committee started the inquiry and called for submissions in December 2022. The Committee has received around 31 submissions. While submissions were encouraged by 27 February 2023, the Committee is continuing to consider new submissions. If you would like to make a submission or find out more, please email the Committee Secretariat at redress@aph.gov.au. A discussion paper aims to provide guidance to individuals and organisations interested in making submissions to the inquiry. Public hearings The Committee has held three public hearings. The inquiry has heard from a range of organisations that offer advice and support to anyone seeking redress, including many National Redress Scheme Support Services. The Department of Social Services has given evidence about their role in administering the Scheme. Transcripts of public hearings can be viewed here. Senator Bilyk said: ‘The Committee has heard compelling evidence about the experiences of victims and survivors. Drawing on the evidence received during this inquiry, the Committee is looking to identify possible recommendations to improve the Redress Scheme.’ ‘We would like to hear a range of perspectives. Further public hearings are planned to hear from more witnesses.’ Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress. The Committee does not decide who is given redress. You should contact the National Redress Scheme on 1800 737 377 to apply for redress or to find out the status of your existing application.

The Committee will be holding a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 6 July 2023

The Committee will be holding a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme. Commencing from 11:00am AEST, the Committee will hear evidence from organisations providing redress support services. The program is available on the Committee’s website. The inquiry is looking into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. Committee Chair Senator Catryna Bilyk said: ‘Submissions to the inquiry highlighted issues such as communication challenges, cultural safety, distance from services and a high demand for services.’ ‘Navigating the process can be difficult. The Committee is interested to hear about how accessibility could be improved and what strategies could help improve awareness of the National Redress Scheme.’ A further public hearing is planned on Tuesday 11 July 2023. Details are expected to be announced soon. Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available. Public hearing details Friday 7 July 2023 11:00am to around 3:30pm (Canberra time) Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament Media enquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress.

The Committee will be holding a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme. Commencing at 10:15am, the Committee will hear evidence from Knowmore Legal Services, Tuart Place and the Department of Social Services.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 11 April 2023

The Committee will be holding a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme. Commencing at 10:15am, the Committee will hear evidence from Knowmore Legal Services, Tuart Place and the Department of Social Services. The program is available on the Committee’s website. The inquiry is looking into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. The Committee is continuing to accept submissions from interested individuals and organisations on the inquiry’s terms of reference on the Committee’s website. A discussion paper, an easy English guide and a short video about the inquiry is available on Facebook or YouTube Public hearing details Wednesday 12 April 2023 10:15am to around 12:45pm (Canberra time) Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra The hearing will be audio and video streamed at aph.gov.au/live  Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au For further information visit the Committee website

The Department of Social Services will be appearing at a public hearing for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 8 March 2023

The Department of Social Services will be appearing at a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme. Senator Catryna Bilyk, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme said: “Submissions received for the inquiry have brought to our attention several issues. We look forward to discussing the administration of the National Redress Scheme with the Department.” The inquiry is looking into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. The Committee is continuing to accept submissions from interested individuals and organisations on the inquiry’s terms of reference on the Committee’s website. A discussion paper, an easy English guide and a short video about the inquiry are available: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aboutthehouseau YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/aboutthehouse Public hearing details Thursday 9 March 2023 11:00am to around 12:00pm Committee Room 2R2, Parliament House, Canberra Listen online at https://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au Information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress.

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme is currently inquiring into the operation of the scheme.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 9 February 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme is currently inquiring into the operation of the Scheme. The inquiry will look closely into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. Submissions from interested individuals and organisations on the inquiry’s terms of reference are encouraged by Monday 27 February 2023. The Committee wants to hear from individuals and organisations on their experience with the Scheme. Submissions can respond to some or all aspects of the inquiry terms of reference. Full details of what the inquiry will examine can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available. Chair of the Committee, Senator Catryna Bilyk said that it is imperative that the Committee hears first-hand the experiences people have had when accessing the Scheme. “There are low rates of access in parts of our community amongst people who are eligible to access the Scheme,” Senator Bilyk said. “We need to understand what the barriers to access are to ensure that everyone who is eligible to seek redress does so”. Further information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress. Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Select Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will inquire into the operation of the scheme.

Media release issue date: Friday, 2 December 2022

The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will inquire into the operation of the scheme. This new inquiry will look closely into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme. Accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates. Full details of what the inquiry will examine can be found in the terms of reference on the Committee’s website. The Committee wants to hear from individuals and organisations on their experience with the scheme. Chair of the Committee, Senator Catryna Bilyk said that it is imperative that the Committee hears first-hand the experiences people have had when accessing the scheme. “There are low rates of access in parts of our community amongst people who are eligible to access the Scheme,” Senator Bilyk said. “We need to understand what the barriers to access are to ensure that everyone who is eligible to seek redress does so”. The Committee is seeking submissions from interested individuals and organisations on the inquiry’s terms of reference by Monday 27 February 2023. Submissions can respond to some or all aspects of the inquiry terms of reference. Further information about the Committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress. Media inquiries Office of Senator Catryna Bilyk Daniel Hulme 0447 000 867 For background information Joint Select Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme| 02 6277 4549 redress@aph.gov.au