The Western Australian Government announced in June 2018 that it would join the National Redress Scheme, which has been created in response to recommendations by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The Western Australian Government's participation in the National Redress Scheme recognises and gives support to Western Australians who have experienced child sexual abuse in institutions.
Redress is an alternative to pursuing civil litigation through the courts.
The national scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years. Western Australia’s participation in the scheme began on 1 January 2019.
Survivors can access free and confidential legal advice through Knowmore, which provides information about the justice and redress options that may be available to them.
For more information, visit the Knowmore website or contact via phone on 1800 605 762.
What the scheme can give you
The National Redress Scheme can provide support in three ways:
- a monetary payment of up to $150,000
- access to counselling and psychological care
- a direct personal response from the institution (eg an apology).
Independent Decision Makers will consider the applications for redress, using guidelines to determine when an applicant is eligible and to ensure outcomes are as consistent as possible. The WA Government will assist the Commonwealth to ensure the Independent Decision Makers have the best available information to make a decision.
It is important to realise that you do not need to gather or request any information or supporting documents, you only need to complete the application form
Counselling and psychological care
WA victim-survivors are able to access their Counselling and Psychological Care (CPC) entitlements by contacting the Restorative Justice Unit by email at RedressCPC@justice.wa.gov.au or by calling 9264 9810.
See also:
Who can apply
Show moreYou can make an application under the scheme if:
- A person has experienced child sexual abuse while in the care of an institution or organisation.
- The abuse happened when the person was under 18.
- The abuse occurred prior to 1 July 2018.
- The person applying is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
The application form can be completed online through the myGov website. Alternatively, the application form can be completed manually by downloading the form from the National Redress Scheme website. You may also call 1800 737 377 to ask for an application form to be sent to you.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek support from a Redress Support Service.
If you are under 18 years old, or have received previous payments related to the abuse, then your application may be processed differently. You may wish to seek further information or legal advice in relation to your circumstances. Knowmore is federally funded to provide free and independent legal advice to survivors of child sexual abuse.
Who cannot apply
You cannot apply if you:
- Have already applied for redress to the scheme and received a decision.
For more details on the May 2024 changes to the Scheme, visit the National Redress Scheme - Updates to the Scheme page.
Further information
Show moreFor more information about the scheme
Visit the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse website.
Phone: 1800 737 377 (Mondays to Fridays 8.00 am – 5.00 pm).
From overseas: +61 3 6222 3455 (ask to speak to somebody from the Scheme)
Refer to the WA Government response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse for further information.
Restorative Justice Unit
The Restorative Justice Unit is responsible for liaising with the State agencies and the Commonwealth to ensure that the Independent Decision Makers have received the best available information to determine the application. If you have any enquiries, please contact the unit via:
Email: RedressWA@justice.wa.gov.au (for Redress enquiries) or call 61 8 9264 9810.
For all other restorative justice enquiries, please contact the Restorative Justice Unit.
Email: restorativejustice@justice.wa.gov.au
By phone: 61 8 9264 9810
By post:
Restorative Justice Unit Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime
Department of Justice
GPO Box F317
PERTH WA 6841
Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available to assist you during the application process. Refer to the list of the support services.
Some additional options for support and legal advice are:
Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 224 636 (24 hours a day)
Knowmore
Phone: 1800 605 762 (Mondays to Fridays, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm AEST)
Lifeline
Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours a day)
Relationships Australia WA
Phone: 1800 491 777
Tuart Place
Phone: 1800 619 795 or (08) 6140 2380
Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 1800 469 371 (Free call)
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