Tasmania’s contribution to the National Redress Scheme

In an important and historic step forward, the Hodgman Liberal Government announced it would opt in to the National Redress Scheme, a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Our decision builds on Tasmania’s proud record of supporting victims, including through our $54 million Abuse in State Care compensation scheme that operated between 2003 and 2013.

With an estimated cost of around $70 million over the life of the Scheme, $40 million has been allocated over four years in this State Budget.

Survivors will be eligible for payments of up to $150,000 as well as a substantial contribution toward counselling, plus other associated support services.

The Hodgman Liberal Government will table legislation to bring us in to the Scheme in the coming months but importantly Tasmanian survivors will be able to begin the application process as soon as the National Scheme commences, which is expected to be on 1 July 2018.

We will also proclaim the Limitation Amendment Act to commence on the same date, so that survivors will have a choice between taking civil action or applying for redress through the Scheme.

The 2018-19 State Budget demonstrates the Tasmanian Government’s clear commitment to supporting survivors of abuse. While we can never undo the suffering experienced by so many, Tasmania’s involvement in this Scheme acknowledges the wrong that was done to Tasmanian survivors and significantly allows institutions to take responsibility for the harm that was caused.