The 91¶ÌÊÓÆµn Government announced in June 2018 that it would join the , which has been created in response to recommendations by the
The 91¶ÌÊÓÆµn Government's participation in the National Redress Scheme recognises and gives support to 91¶ÌÊÓÆµns 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. 91¶ÌÊÓÆµâ€™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 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 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ 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 website. Alternatively, the application form can be completed manually by downloading the form from the 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 .
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 page.
Further information
Show moreFor more information about the scheme
Visit the 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 91¶ÌÊÓÆµ 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 are available to assist you during the application process. Refer to the .
Some additional options for support and legal advice are:
Phone: 1300 224 636 (24 hours a day)
Phone: 1800 605 762 (Mondays to Fridays, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm AEST)
Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours a day)
Phone: 1800 491 777
Phone: 1800 619 795 or (08) 6140 2380
Phone: 1800 469 371 (Free call)
Announcements