Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the process take?

The National Redress Scheme should be a quicker process than civil litigation however it is anticipated it may still take up to a year in some cases. However, applications can be fast-tracked where survivors are unwell or elderly.

How can I get culturally safe support?

Having the support you need is really important. The redress journey will be a difficult journey. Ngarra Jarra Noun can provide culturally safe support and make referrals for survivors.

Please do not hesitate to contact Ngarra Jarra Noun to discuss your counselling needs whether this be before, during or after your redress journey or unconnected to redress. We are committed to ensuring survivors’ counselling needs are met so please reach out and let us help.

How much compensation will I get?

There is no amount of money that can undo the pain, losses and traumas caused by institutional child sexual abuse. What we know is that the maximum payment is $20,000, $50,000 or $150,000 depending on the type of abuse suffered. Very few survivors will receive the maximum payment. There is an assessment framework that independent assessors will use to determine individual payments. In deciding whether to access the National Redress Scheme or civil litigation the amount of money that will likely be awarded is an important consideration. Therefore it is important to get advice before deciding which path to take. Please feel free to contact Ngarra Jarra Noun to discuss your options. We will do our best to ensure the best outcomes for you.

What happens to survivors who have died?

For survivors who have passed, their next of kin are not able to access the National Redress Scheme. If a survivor has put in an application for redress and then dies their next of kin can receive their payment. It is therefore important that survivors have a current will when they put in their application so that there is no uncertainty about who the payment should go to.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material. To listen to our Acknowledgement of Country, click here.