The National Redress Scheme is an Australian government scheme created to recognise and respond to institutional child sexual abuse. It provides an alternative pathway to civil compensation and is separate from court-based legal claims.
This page provides general information only. Eligibility and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and the institution involved.
What is the National Redress Scheme?
The National Redress Scheme is an administrative scheme, not a court process. It was established following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The Scheme is designed to provide:
- recognition of harm experienced by survivors
- access to counselling and psychological support
- a monetary payment in some cases
Redress focuses on acknowledgement and response rather than determining legal fault or liability.
Who may be eligible to apply?
You may be eligible to apply for redress if:
- you experienced child sexual abuse before 1 July 2018
- the abuse occurred in an institutional context
- the responsible institution is a participating institution under the Scheme
Applications are made by survivors as adults. You do not need to have reported the abuse at the time it occurred.
What does redress include?
If an application is successful, redress may include one or more of the following:
- Monetary payment – payments are capped under the Scheme and assessed according to its framework
- Counselling and psychological care – funding to support access to treatment
- Direct personal response – such as an apology or acknowledgement from the institution, if requested
Not all applicants will receive the same components.
Which institutions are covered?
Only institutions that have joined the National Redress Scheme can provide redress.
Participating institutions include many:
- schools
- religious organisations
- care providers and residential facilities
- youth and community organisations
If an institution has not joined the Scheme, redress may not be available through this pathway, even if abuse occurred in that setting.
How is redress different from a civil compensation claim?
The National Redress Scheme and civil compensation claims are separate pathways.
Key differences include:
- Process: Redress is administrative; civil claims are legal proceedings
- Outcomes: Redress payments are capped; civil compensation is not capped but depends on evidence and legal findings
- Focus: Redress centres on recognition and response; civil claims assess legal responsibility
- Finality: Accepting redress may affect the ability to bring or continue certain civil claims
Because of these differences, understanding the consequences of each option before deciding is important.
Do you have to apply for redress?
No. Applying for redress is voluntary.
Some survivors:
- choose redress as their preferred option
- consider a civil claim instead
- seek advice before deciding
- decide not to pursue a formal process at all
There is no single right choice.
What evidence is required?
The Scheme takes a flexible approach to evidence, particularly for historical abuse.
Evidence may include:
- personal statements
- institutional or placement records
- medical or counselling records
- other material supporting your experience
You do not need to have made a formal complaint at the time of the abuse.
Timeframes and decision-making
Applications can take time to assess. Timeframes vary depending on:
- the complexity of the application,
- the institution involved
- and whether additional information is required
Survivors are able to take time to consider any offer made under the Scheme.
Getting advice about the National Redress Scheme
The National Redress Scheme can have long-term legal consequences, particularly in relation to civil compensation options.
Independent legal advice can help clarify:
- whether redress is available in your circumstances
- what accepting an offer may mean
- how redress compares with other pathways
Survivors should never feel pressured to make a decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is the National Redress Scheme the same as compensation?
No. The National Redress Scheme is separate from civil compensation. It provides capped payments and support services rather than court-assessed damages.
Can I apply if the abuse happened a long time ago?
Yes. Many applications involve abuse that occurred decades ago, provided the abuse happened before 1 July 2018 and involved a participating institution.
What if the institution has not joined the Scheme?
If an institution has not joined the Scheme, redress may not be available through this pathway. Other legal options may still exist.
Do I have to accept an offer of redress?
No. If an offer is made, you are able to consider it and decide whether to accept or decline.
Can I still bring a civil claim after redress?
Accepting redress may affect your ability to bring or continue certain civil claims. This is an important issue to understand before accepting an offer.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for redress?
You are not required to use a lawyer, but legal advice can help you understand eligibility, consequences, and how redress compares with other options.
