National Redress Scheme in Queensland

In response to recommendations of the Royal Commission, the Australian Government developed a National Redress Scheme (the Scheme) for people who were sexually abused as children in institutional settings before 1 July 2018. The Queensland Government is participating in the Scheme because it will contribute to the dignity and recognition of people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

Redress is about making amends for wrongs that have happened in the past, which is why the Scheme has been established for people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse before 1 July 2018, when the Scheme started.

People who experience child sexual abuse after the Scheme’s commencement on 1 July 2018 will not be able to access redress through the Scheme. Other legal options may be available, such as civil litigation.

The Scheme provides support to people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse. You may be eligible for redress under the Scheme if you, or someone you know, experienced sexual abuse as a child in a Queensland institution, including:

  • children’s homes
  • schools
  • foster care
  • youth detention centres
  • missions
  • dormitories.

The Scheme will provide access to:

  1. a Redress payment
  2. up to 20 hours of counselling and psychological care (and more if required), and
  3. the option to receive a Direct Personal Response, for example an apology, from the responsible institution.

Find out more about the National Redress Scheme in Queensland, including information on eligibility, the application process and available support.