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The National Redress Scheme acknowledges that many children were sexually abused in Australian institutions.
Redress recognises the suffering endured because of this abuse and holds institutions accountable.
You can read more on the National Redress Scheme website.
Apply to the National Redress Scheme
You can apply to the National Redress Scheme online through myGov or by filling in a paper application form. You can access the paper application form through the Application pack on the National Redress Scheme website.
An offer of redress to eligible survivors can include:
- a payment, referred to as a monetary payment
- access to counselling and psychological care
- a direct personal response from the responsible institution such as an apology.
You can choose what parts of the redress offer you want to receive.
The National Redress Scheme is different from the Stolen Generations Redress Scheme. You may be eligible for both schemes. You can read more about the Stolen Generations Redress Scheme on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website.
Support to apply for redress
Redress Support Services are free, confidential, independent and offer emotional and practical support. If you are applying for redress, Specialist Redress Support Services are available. These support services include any of the following:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- care leavers and former child migrants
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse background
- people with disability
- young people.
Read more about Redress Support Services available in your state and territory on the National Redress Scheme website.
knowmore is an independent service that can help survivors of childhood abuse consider their redress options. You can read more about how to access free, confidential legal support and financial counselling, as well as the different redress scheme options on the knowmore Legal Service website.
Redress and other government payments
Payments made under the National Redress Scheme are exempt from:
- Commonwealth debt recovery
- income tests for government payments
- assets test for residential aged care.
Payments made under the National Redress Scheme are also:
- not subject to income tax
- protected from creditors if you are bankrupt
- not counted as income however, other things such as money you have in a bank account can be part of the assets test for government payments.
You can use the Moneysmart website for tools to help manage your money.
More information
The National Redress Scheme website has more information about:
- who can apply
- starting or continuing an application
- support services to help throughout the application process
- institutions that have joined the National Redress Scheme.
You can contact the National Redress Scheme by calling 1800 737 377, Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Call charges may apply,
If you are overseas, please call Centrelink International Services and press 7 to be transferred to the National Redress Scheme.
Resources for community organisations
If you work with a community organisation, the National Redress Scheme website has resources available to help you. You might find these resources helpful to explain the redress scheme to your community members. They can also help you with the following:
- explain more about the National Redress Scheme and the application process
- can assist someone supporting a person applying for redress
- are translated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and those from culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
The National Redress Scheme website also has Easy Read fact sheets, Auslan videos and other accessible resources to support you and your community members.
Ordering printed products
Community organisations can order printed copies of National Redress Scheme resources including factsheets, brochures, posters, flip books and discussion guides. Read about the products available to order and how to order them on the National Redress Scheme website.