A register of providers will be established to receive referrals and deliver counselling for Tasmania’s eligible applicants to the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.
The Hodgman Liberal Government’s decision to deliver counselling services, at an estimated cost of $8 million during the life of the Scheme, is a key recommendation of the Royal Commission’s Redress and Civil Litigation Report.
It was preferred over the alternative option for jurisdictions provided by the Australian Government in establishing the National Redress Scheme, which was a one-off payment for counselling linked to the assessed impact of the abuse.
The register of providers will identify practitioners as having the appropriate capabilities to provide counselling and psychological care to people affected by child sexual abuse.
The register is not intended to limit survivor choice but will provide flexibility through the identification of a range of counsellors who can provide care.
The Hodgman Liberal Government recognises that nothing can undo the suffering and damage caused by institutional child sexual abuse.
However, we will continue to do what we can to provide practical and meaningful assistance for Tasmanians to deal with the trauma associated with sexual abuse.