A report on Australia’s National Redress Scheme has highlighted critical failures and inadequacies. 

The Joint Standing Committee on the Implementation of the National Redress Scheme has tabled its report - Redress: Journey to Justice. 

The examination exposes serious issues with the National Redress Scheme (NRS), which was established to provide compensation and support to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. 

While acknowledging the Scheme’s accomplishments, the report identifies critical shortcomings that risk further harm to survivors.

The Scheme, operational since 2018, is designed to offer financial compensation, apologies, and psychological support to survivors. 

However, the report notes significant delays and systemic inefficiencies. Survivors have reported wait times far exceeding the advertised 3 to 12 months for application processing. 

Recent figures show the average processing time has deteriorated to 14.9 months in 2023–24, the worst on record. 

A backlog of over 15,000 applications has persisted, undermining the Scheme’s ability to meet survivors’ needs promptly.

The Committee attributes many of the Scheme’s failures to chronic underfunding and understaffing, issues that have plagued its operation since inception. 

While the Scheme’s forecasted demand has been close to initial estimates of 60,000 applicants, the failure to allocate sufficient resources has resulted in unmet promises of timely redress. 

Survivors' groups argue that delays exacerbate trauma and push some individuals towards civil litigation, a costly and distressing alternative.

The report provides 29 recommendations to improve accessibility, efficiency, and equity within the NRS. 

Key proposals include extending the Scheme’s operation past its scheduled 2028 closure, ensuring all survivors have access to redress. It also suggests allowing survivors to register by a set date if a full extension is unfeasible.

It calls for more regular updates on application trends and progress are proposed, along with clearer, simpler communication tailored to survivors’ needs.

The report recommends additional funding for the Department of Social Services and support services is deemed necessary to clear backlogs and improve service quality.

It also says the Scheme should enhance access to legal advice and psychological counselling for survivors, with protections to ensure redress payments are not inadvertently lost.

Additionally, the Committee calls for the creation of a public disclosure framework for institutions refusing to join the Scheme, with penalties for non-compliance.

The Scheme has faced intense criticism for its opaque processes and lack of trauma-informed practices. Survivors report frustration at the lack of progress updates and the perceived secrecy surrounding decision-making. 

Critics highlight that the capped compensation of $150,000, below the Royal Commission’s recommendation of $200,000, fails to adequately acknowledge the severity of survivors’ experiences. 

Advocates, including the legal service Knowmore, have called for urgent action, describing the Scheme as reaching a “dangerous crunch point”. They warn that without immediate reform and an extension of the Scheme’s timeline, many survivors may be denied justice altogether.

The Committee urges state, territory, and federal governments, along with named institutions, to collaborate on critical reforms. 

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