Redress Payments: No Means Test for Abuse Survivors’ Aged Care
In response to the Australian Labor Government’s recent announcement to exempt National Redress Scheme payments from the residential aged care means test starting January 2025, Koffels Solicitors and Barristers wholeheartedly support this significant step toward safeguarding the financial well-being of survivors as they enter aged care.
For survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, re-entering an institutional setting such as aged care can be emotionally challenging. The Government’s decision to exclude redress payments from means testing is a welcome improvement, as it shields survivors from potential financial disadvantages while ensuring their redress payments are not treated as assessable assets. This reform, enacted through data matching, ensures that survivors won’t have to relive traumatic events by disclosing abuse experiences in the context of aged care services.
Supporting Survivors Through Civil Claims
While the National Redress Scheme serves as a vital avenue for survivors seeking acknowledgement and financial support, Koffels Solicitors and Barristers are committed to helping survivors achieve fair compensation through civil claims. Our approach often leads to settlements in mediation, providing a confidential and less adversarial path to resolution. For many survivors, civil suits offer a route to compensation that reflects the full scope of their trauma and loss.
The new policy aligns well with the ongoing efforts to ensure that survivors face minimal hurdles in accessing aged care and other support services, recognising their unique challenges. Minister Rishworth’s statement underscores the Government’s commitment to putting survivors at the heart of these reforms. We at Koffels echo this commitment, dedicated to advocating for survivors’ rights in a manner that acknowledges their past suffering and their present needs.
Civil Compensation as a Complement to Redress
While the National Redress Scheme offers a critical safety net, civil compensation claims often provide a more comprehensive approach. Through civil suits, survivors can achieve compensation that reflects the specific and enduring impacts of abuse on their lives. At Koffels, our team supports survivors through this process, empowering them to access justice, closure and compensation.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about pursuing compensation, Koffels Solicitors and Barristers is here to provide expert guidance.
