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National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment

Current status

This bill became law on Mar 28th, 2024.

Policy area

Welfare & housing

What does this bill do?

People in prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. can now apply for redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution., so being in gaolThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. is no longer a bar to seeking payment, counselling and a direct response from responsible institutions.

Why was it introduced?

The schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. left some survivors blocked or disadvantaged: people in prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. could not apply, reviews could not consider new material, some cases faced unnecessary delays, and decisions could miss institutions that joined later. This bill removes those barriers and delays, expands information sharing, and lets finalised decisions be reassessed so survivors get fairer redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution..

Broader context

After the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual AbuseThe inquiry that investigated institutional abuse and recommended a national redress scheme for survivors. led to the National Redress SchemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. starting on 1 July 2018, survivors still faced gaps in how the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. worked, including a bar on applications from prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying., reviews that could not take account of new material, and finalised decisions that could miss institutions joining later. The 2023 bill responded by removing those barriers, widening information and reassessment powers, and it became law in March 2024 so access to redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. could be fairer and more complete.

Key criticism

The main criticism was that the bill weakens safeguards by making it easier for prisoners with serious convictions to seek redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. without the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies.'s previous special assessment processAn extra screening step for some applicants with serious prison sentences or other high-risk cases before they can get redress.. That concern was raised mainly by Coalition speakers and amendment attempts, while some Greens and independents instead argued the bill still did too little to remove unfair exclusions for survivors.

Who supported it?

Amanda Rishworth MP introduced this bill. In the latest recorded vote on the bill in the Senate, support came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, some crossbench members; opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, some crossbench members.

Introduced in House 15 Nov 2023
Passed House 07 Feb 2024
Passed Senate 20 Mar 2024
Became law 28 Mar 2024

Did it become law?

Yes

Became law 28 Mar 2024

Final passage

No counted final vote

1 recorded vote on the bill was found earlier in passage, but the final chamber agreement was not a counted division.

Passage speed

134 days

From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step

Official record

View on APH

Parliament of Australia bill page

Meaning

What does this bill do?

  1. People in prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. can now apply for redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution., so being in gaolThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. is no longer a bar to seeking payment, counselling and a direct response from responsible institutions.

  2. Applicants asking for a reviewA process where a person asks the scheme to look again at an original redress decision before the offer is accepted or declined. can now add new information and documents, and their payment usually cannot be cut unless new evidence or false or misleadingA legal label used for information that is untrue or deceptive in an important way, which can affect whether a review decision can be reduced. material justifies it.

  3. People with prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. sentences of 5 years or more will now face special extra screening mainly for unlawful killing, sexual or terrorism offences, or in other exceptional cases that could damage confidence in the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme.

  4. Survivors can now be told when a non-government institution they named has not joined the National Redress SchemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies., giving them clearer information before they decide what to do next.

  5. Finalised redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. decisions can now be reassessed if an institution named in the application joins the National Redress SchemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. later, which can increase redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. and make that institution share responsibility.

Show source excerpts
  1. The effect of this amendment is that persons will be able to make an application for redress from gaol. This will increase equity for survivors and remove unnecessary barriers which prevent access to redress.
    National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment explanatory memorandum
  2. The Bill will amend the Redress Act to allow redress applicants to provide additional information and documents with requests for internal review of an initial determination. It will also enable independent decision-makers to undertake requests for information at the internal review stage. The amendments will apply to future applications and all applications that are not finalised to the date of the amendment (that is, applications that are being processed, and applications where an offer is yet to be accepted or declined).
    National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment explanatory memorandum
  3. The Bill provides that a person who has been sentenced to imprisonment for five years or more for unlawful killing, a sexual offence, a terrorism offence, or certain related offences is not entitled to access redress without undergoing the special assessment process. The Operator can require a person to undergo the special assessment process where they consider that there are exceptional circumstances that make it likely that providing redress to the person may bring the Scheme into disrepute or adversely affect public confidence in the Scheme.
    National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment explanatory memorandum
  4. New section 95B will increase transparency surrounding an institution’s participation in the Scheme so that people who apply to the Scheme can make informed decisions regarding their redress application.
    National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment explanatory memorandum
  5. This new process allows an applicant who chooses to proceed with their application despite one or more institutions not participating in the Scheme, to have their application reassessed where that institution later joins the Scheme or is listed under funder of last resort arrangements. This will allow those applicants to receive the total amount of redress to which they are entitled, a direct personal response from all relevant institutions and to hold those institutions to account, while preserving the intention of the Scheme that an applicant may only submit one application.
    National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment explanatory memorandum

Context

Broader context for this bill

After the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual AbuseThe inquiry that investigated institutional abuse and recommended a national redress scheme for survivors. led to the National Redress SchemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. starting on 1 July 2018, survivors still faced gaps in how the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. worked, including a bar on applications from prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying., reviews that could not take account of new material, and finalised decisions that could miss institutions joining later. The 2023 bill responded by removing those barriers, widening information and reassessment powers, and it became law in March 2024 so access to redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. could be fairer and more complete.

  1. 2017

    Royal CommissionThe inquiry that investigated institutional abuse and recommended a national redress scheme for survivors. recommends a national redress schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies.

    The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual AbuseThe inquiry that investigated institutional abuse and recommended a national redress scheme for survivors. finished in 2017 and its recommendations led to the creation of a national redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. process for survivors.

    Hansard ↗
  2. 01 July 2018

    National Redress SchemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. begins operating

    The schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. started on 1 July 2018, giving survivors a pathway to seek payments, counselling and direct responses from responsible institutions.

    Hansard ↗
  3. 15 Nov 2023

    Government introduces changes to fix gaps in the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies.

    The bill was introduced to remove barriers for survivors in prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying., allow new material in reviews, improve information sharing and let finalised decisions be reassessed if institutions joined later.

    Hansard ↗
  4. 20 Mar 2024

    Parliament passes the bill

    Both houses passed the bill in the same form, clearing the way for the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies.'s eligibility, reviewA process where a person asks the scheme to look again at an original redress decision before the offer is accepted or declined. and reassessment rules to be updated.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  5. 28 Mar 2024

    Bill receives Royal AssentThe formal step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament.

    Royal AssentThe formal step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. turned the bill into law so the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. could operate with the new survivor access and reassessment provisions.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗

Legislative route

How did it move through Parliament?

House Senate
Introduced 15 Nov 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 15 Nov 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 06 Feb 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Sent to Federation Chamber for debate 06 Feb 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Referred to Federation Chamber

Second reading debate 07 Feb 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

House second reading agreed 07 Feb 2024

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

Consideration in detail 07 Feb 2024

The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.

Consideration in detail debate

Returned from Federation Chamber 07 Feb 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Reported from Federation Chamber

Consideration in detail 07 Feb 2024

The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.

Consideration in detail debate

House third reading agreed 07 Feb 2024

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

Introduced 08 Feb 2024

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 08 Feb 2024

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 18 Mar 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 20 Mar 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate second reading agreed 20 Mar 2024

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

Committee of the Whole debate 20 Mar 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate third reading agreed 20 Mar 2024

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

Passed both houses 20 Mar 2024

Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.

Finally passed both Houses

Assent 28 Mar 2024

The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe formal step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.

Key criticism

The main case against this bill

The main criticism was that the bill weakens safeguards by making it easier for prisoners with serious convictions to seek redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. without the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies.'s previous special assessment processAn extra screening step for some applicants with serious prison sentences or other high-risk cases before they can get redress.. That concern was raised mainly by Coalition speakers and amendment attempts, while some Greens and independents instead argued the bill still did too little to remove unfair exclusions for survivors.

Criticism was real but limited, and much of it came with continued support for the bill overall.

Safeguards for serious offenders

Coalition critics argued the bill would be too lenient because it relaxes the existing special assessment processAn extra screening step for some applicants with serious prison sentences or other high-risk cases before they can get redress. for people in prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. or with serious convictions, risking public confidence in the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme.

Raised by Coalition speakers including Michael Sukkar, Jason Wood, Claire Chandler and Kerrynne Liddle Source ↗

Reform seen as too narrow

Some critics argued the bill still left important survivor access problems unresolved, including exclusions affecting people with serious convictions, non-citizens living in Australia, and women affected by virginity testing.

Raised by Greens senators and Senator Thorpe Source ↗

Further sources

parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗

Votes

Recorded votes

How the bill itself passed

The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.

Passed

House passed the bill

House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

07 Feb 2024

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Passed

Senate passed the bill

Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

20 Mar 2024

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Carried

Keep prison-redress reforms in bill

Aye 34 No 24

Passed 34 to 24. Support came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

20 Mar 2024

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 17 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 12
Greens 11 / 0
Unknown 3 / 6
Nationals 0 / 5
Independent 2 / 0
Jacqui Lambie Network 1 / 0
One Nation 0 / 1

Amendments at a glance

Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.

Senate

Defeated

Call for safer survivor support

Aye 14 No 20

Defeated 14 to 20. Support came from Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, One Nation, and minor parties and independents.

20 Mar 2024

The amendment was defeated, so the bill proceeded without the Senate adding those extra calls to action to the second-reading motion.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 14
Greens 11 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 3
Independent 2 / 0
Unknown 0 / 2
Jacqui Lambie Network 1 / 0
One Nation 0 / 1
Defeated

Allow civil claims after redress

Aye 12 No 25

Defeated 12 to 25. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

20 Mar 2024

The amendment was defeated, so the bill kept the existing redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. release from civil liability instead of adding a new pathway for later civil claims.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 16
Greens 11 / 0
Unknown 0 / 5
Independent 1 / 1
Jacqui Lambie Network 0 / 1
Liberal Party 0 / 1
Nationals 0 / 1
Defeated

Expand redress to residents in Australia

Aye 15 No 22

Defeated 15 to 22. Support came from Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and UAP. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

20 Mar 2024

The request was defeated, so the bill's eligibility rule stayed limited to citizens and permanent residents, apart from any separate rule changes already made for former child migrants.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 15
Greens 11 / 0
Unknown 1 / 4
Independent 2 / 0
Jacqui Lambie Network 1 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 1
Nationals 0 / 1
UAP 0 / 1
Defeated

Treat virginity testing as abuse

Aye 12 No 23

Defeated 12 to 23. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

20 Mar 2024

The amendments were defeated, so the bill did not expand the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies.'s abuse definition to cover virginity testing in this way.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 14
Greens 11 / 0
Unknown 0 / 5
Independent 1 / 1
Jacqui Lambie Network 0 / 1
Liberal Party 0 / 1
Nationals 0 / 1

This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.

Parliamentary debate

Who spoke, and what they said

Start here — lead voices

Sponsor speech Supports

Amanda Rishworth

Australian Labor Party • MP 15 Nov 2023

Rishworth supports the bill and says it will improve the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme by making it more accessible, fairer and more trauma-informed for survivors.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead supporting voice Supports

Michael Sukkar

Liberal Party • MP 06 Feb 2024

Sukkar says the coalition will support the bill overall because it contains worthy redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. changes from the reviewA process where a person asks the scheme to look again at an original redress decision before the offer is accepted or declined., but he strongly opposes the part that would let people in jailThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. for serious offences access the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. more quickly without the current special assessment processAn extra screening step for some applicants with serious prison sentences or other high-risk cases before they can get redress..

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead non-major voice Supports

Lidia Thorpe

Independent • Senator 20 Mar 2024

Thorpe supports the bill because it removes barriers to redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution., including letting people in prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. apply, but she says more funding and safeguards are needed so survivors are not retraumatised.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead voice Supports

Graham Perrett

Australian Labor Party • MP 06 Feb 2024

Graham Perrett supports the bill and says it will make the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme more survivor focused, trauma informed and fair, including by improving access for people with serious criminal convictions and for incarcerated survivors.

Read in Hansard ↗

All speeches by bloc

Labor

7 speakers · 9 contributions · 7 support

  1. Amanda Rishworth ★ 2 contributions Rishworth supports the bill and says it will improve the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme by making it more accessible, fairer and more trauma-informed for survivors.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Amanda Rishworth, including an amendment-moving contribution. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Moved amendment Australian Labor Party • MP • 15 Nov 2023

    Rishworth supports the bill and says it will improve the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme by making it more accessible, fairer and more trauma-informed for survivors. She presents it as part of the government's ongoing effort to fix practical problems in the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. and improve its operation.

    “This bill will fulfil the work of the review and improve the scheme and the experience of survivors for its remaining life.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Amanda Rishworth supports the bill and says it gives effect to the government's response to the second-year reviewA process where a person asks the scheme to look again at an original redress decision before the offer is accepted or declined. of the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme so it can better serve survivors. She argues the changes are measured, survivor focused and needed to improve access, efficiency and trauma-informed handling.

    “The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023 will amend the primary legislation for the National Redress Scheme for institutional child sexual abuse, the scheme, in response to recommendations from the final report of the second-year review of the National Redress Scheme undertaken by Ms Robyn Kruk AO. The review made 38 recommendations to increase access to redress and improve the scheme's operation, making it more trauma informed, efficient and, ultimately, more survivor focused. The Australian government has supported 34 of the recommendations either in full or in part. This bill builds on the action already taken in response to the review. It seeks to make legislative changes to give effect to the government's response to the remaining, more complex review recommendations. This bill is the final legislative action necessary to implement the Australian government's response to the review.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  2. Graham Perrett ★ 2 contributions Graham Perrett supports the bill and says it will make the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme more survivor focused, trauma informed and fair, including by improving access for people with serious criminal convictions and for incarcerated survivors.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Graham Perrett on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 06 Feb 2024

    Graham Perrett supports the bill and says it will make the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme more survivor focused, trauma informed and fair, including by improving access for people with serious criminal convictions and for incarcerated survivors. His main argument is that the changes will reduce retraumatisation and improve outcomes for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

    “The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023 shows the commitment by all governments to improve access to redress and the survivor experience. The bill will benefit survivors and contribute to improving the national redress scheme for institutional child sexual abuse.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Graham Perrett supports the bill and says its amendments are fair because they help survivors of institutional child sexual abuse rebuild their lives, including people with serious convictions and those who are incarcerated. He presents the changes as a needed improvement to the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme rather than a reason to oppose it.

    “The amendments to this bill are fair measures which give this particular group of survivors the opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  3. Louise Miller-Frost Miller-Frost supports the bill and says it will improve access to redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution., make the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. fairer and more trauma-informed, and better support survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
    “The measures in the bill build on legislative and non-legislative steps taken to date in response to the review and implement our commitment to survivors to make meaningful improvements in the delivery of the scheme. Redress is about recognising the harm done to people who experienced sexual abuse as children and holding the institutions responsible to account. We take our responsibility to survivors seriously and we will keep pushing to improve access to redress. That's why I'm proud to be part of a government that is pushing forward on this bill and working to support the survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. We hear you. We understand. We believe you.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Tony Zappia Tony Zappia supports the bill, saying it improves the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme by making reviews fairer, widening access, and helping survivors who have been let down by the current process.
    “I think this legislation, as I said from the outset, improves the scheme greatly. But it's not the end of the process, and I would like to think that, if other changes are needed, they will be enacted in the future.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Rob Mitchell Mitchell says Labor supports the bill and wants it passed quickly because it fixes gaps in the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme, makes it more accessible and trauma-informed, and better supports survivors.
    “I urge all members to stand with the government, united in our support for this vital legislation. Let us demonstrate our unwavering commitment to survivors by passing the bill swiftly and ensuring its effective implementation.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  6. Michelle Ananda-Rajah Michelle Ananda-Rajah supports the bill, saying it strengthens the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme for survivors by improving reassessment rights, adding a no worse offA safeguard that stops a review from reducing a survivor's redress amount just because the reviewer reads the same evidence differently. safeguard, narrowing special criminal-conviction reassessments, and making scheme participation more transparent.
    “It is important to amend this vital scheme to ensure it provides a continually improving model of redress. I encourage all institutions named in the applications to fulfil their moral obligation and join the scheme. As Martin says, 'I think a lot of survivors are ashamed to talk about what happened. What I'd say to people who feel ashamed and scared is: come forward and talk and go through the scheme. Get actual recognition about what happened to you. There is nothing to be ashamed about; just come forward and talk.' We acknowledge you, we believe you and we stand beside you. I commend this bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  7. Carol Brown Brown says the government supports the bill and is bringing it forward to improve the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme, make it more accessible for survivors, and implement the remaining recommendations from the second-year reviewA process where a person asks the scheme to look again at an original redress decision before the offer is accepted or declined..
    “The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023 will benefit survivors and contribute to improving the National Redress Scheme for institutional child sexual abuse for the remaining five years of its life. Consistent with the government's policy of ongoing improvement of the scheme, it will enhance the accessibility of survivors to redress.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 18 Mar 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Coalition

6 speakers · 5 support · 1 mixed

  1. Michael Sukkar ★ Sukkar says the coalition will support the bill overall because it contains worthy redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. changes from the reviewA process where a person asks the scheme to look again at an original redress decision before the offer is accepted or declined., but he strongly opposes the part that would let people in jailThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. for serious offences access the schemeThe compensation and support scheme for people who were sexually abused as children in institutions such as churches, schools, charities and government bodies. more quickly without the current special assessment processAn extra screening step for some applicants with serious prison sentences or other high-risk cases before they can get redress..
    “Otherwise, we support the bill and we won't stand in the way of the other worthy changes. Even if our amendment that we will move with respect to serious criminals is not supported by the government, we couldn't in good conscience stand in the way of the other worthy amendments emanating from the review that commenced under the former coalition government and would therefore not stand in the way of the bill.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 06 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Jason Wood Wood criticises the bill’s changes to applications from prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. and serious-conviction assessments, arguing the current redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme rules should remain.
    “The coalition does not believe this arrangement needs to change, and I'll explain a bit more about that. The bill shows Labor's lenience on crime could be benefitting individuals with serious criminal convictions. One thing I do acknowledge is that many people who are in custody serving prison time have been victims of child abuse, which has led to them going down a horrible path in life. Labor's amendment will look at only those sentenced to five years or more for offences such as unlawful killing, sexual offences and terrorism where there is a risk to the scheme's integrity. Applicants would have to go through a special assessment process.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Kerrynne Liddle Liddle says the coalition will support the bill, but only because it still wants amendments to keep the special assessment processAn extra screening step for some applicants with serious prison sentences or other high-risk cases before they can get redress. unchanged for people in jailThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying..
    “While the coalition will ultimately support this bill, we do seek amendments.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 18 Mar 2024

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  4. Dan Tehan Tehan supports the bill and wants it to pass, saying it continues the coalition's work on redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. for survivors.
    “I commend this bill and what it is seeking to do. I ask that we continue to work in a bipartisan fashion and that there is proper discussion around some of the areas of concern so that we can continue to make sure that this scheme operates in a fully bipartisan way, which was how it was set up.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

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  5. Claire Chandler Chandler says the coalition will support the bill, but only after trying to remove part 2 of schedule 1 because it would let some prisoners with serious convictions apply for redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. from jailThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying..
    “So, as I foreshadowed in making my contribution this evening on behalf of the shadow minister and on behalf of the opposition, the coalition will ultimately be supporting this bill in its passage through the Senate, but we will move amendments in the committee of the whole stage to deal with some of the issues that I have outlined this evening, particularly an amendment to omit part 2 of schedule 1 from the bill.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 18 Mar 2024

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  6. Jenny Ware Ware supports the bill and says it is a proper update to the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme because governments should keep reviewing it so it stays fair, accessible and accountable for survivors.
    “To that extent, I commend the bill to the House.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

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Greens

2 speakers · 2 support

  1. David Shoebridge Shoebridge says the Greens will support the bill, but they want amendments to remove unfair exclusions and fix access for survivors, especially people with serious convictions and women affected by virginity testing.
    “The Greens will support the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023, but I indicate that we will be seeking to move a series of amendments to the bill and that we will oppose the amendment that's proposed by the opposition.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 18 Mar 2024

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  2. Dorinda Cox Cox says the Greens will support the bill as an important, if bare-minimum, step to improve the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
    “Once again I stand in this place and say that this is the absolute, bare minimum. It is the least that this government could do. No amount of money will ever account for the loss of family, the loss of connection, the loss of culture and the loss of community. Entire families were wiped out by this policy. Languages and sacred knowledge have been lost. In some places we can never get that back. That is why we fight so hard to protect what we have left. If governments really want to make up for what they did during those times, they will stop continuing to lock our kids up, they will stop destroying our sacred sites, they will invest in our First Nations communities, and they will let First Nations people be at the core of those solutions for the problems that governments have created as legacy pieces for us. So, yes, we need this Redress Scheme for victims-survivors of institutionalised child sexual abuse, and this is an important step, but we also could be doing a whole lot more.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 18 Mar 2024

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Minor parties and independents

2 speakers · 2 support

  1. Lidia Thorpe ★ Thorpe supports the bill because it removes barriers to redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution., including letting people in prisonThe bill uses this older term for prison, and one change is that being in gaol no longer stops a person from applying. apply, but she says more funding and safeguards are needed so survivors are not retraumatised.
    “In saying all of this, I do want to acknowledge the importance of the scheme, especially for those who it has helped. It is now in its sixth year of operation, and for survivors and their families the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2023 makes important changes which remove some of the barriers to applying. Importantly, this includes changes so that those who are currently being held in prison will be able to apply.”

    Independent • Senator • 20 Mar 2024

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  2. Tammy Tyrrell Tammy Tyrrell supports the bill because she sees it as a sensible set of improvements to the redressIn this scheme, redress means the package a survivor can receive, usually a payment, counselling and a direct response from the responsible institution. scheme, even though she says it will not satisfy every victim-survivor and there is still room for future reform.
    “We know that there is always room for improvement. Like I said earlier, there are processes in place for further review of the operation of this scheme and for further improvement. That's why I support this bill. In doing so, I acknowledge and thank victim-survivors like John for their courage in continuing to share their stories and thoughts on improving the Redress Scheme.”

    Jacqui Lambie Network • Senator • 20 Mar 2024

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