Nine more institutions join National Redress Scheme

Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher has welcomed the news that another group of Catholic institutions has completed the steps to participate in the National Redress Scheme. 

“Nine more institutions have joined, including six more Catholic dioceses represented by Australian Catholic Redress Limited, and three Catholic Religious Orders,” Mr Fletcher said.

 

“While there are more than 100 Catholic institutions still to join the Scheme, this is another indication of progress.”

 

In December, the Government announced the entry of 27 of the 35 Catholic dioceses and archdioceses and one religious order. Ten Anglican organisations – four dioceses, four organisations and two institutions – have also joined the Scheme.

 

Mr Fletcher said the Australian and state and territory governments expect that any relevant institutions sign up to the scheme as promptly as possible.

 

“I repeat my call for non-government institutions to move as quickly as possible to join the Scheme. It is time for them to turn their words into action,” Mr Fletcher said.

 

“Our prime concern is the well-being of survivors who are waiting, some of them ageing or unwell.”

 

While applications for redress can be made by a survivor at any time, each relevant institution needs to have joined the Scheme and have completed all the necessary steps for an application to be processed. 

Catholic institutions announced today as having joined the National Redress Scheme are:

·         Archdiocese of Perth

·         Chaldean Eparchy of St Thomas

·         Diocese of Bunbury

·         Diocese of Broome

·         Diocese of Geraldton

·         Melkite Catholic Eparchy

·         Marist Fathers Australian Province

·         Sisters of Mercy Brisbane

·         Sylvestrine Benedictine Monks

 

The Australian Government established the National Redress Scheme to acknowledge and support people who experienced child sexual abuse in institutions. Redress can include access to counselling services, a direct personal response from the responsible institution for people who want it, and a redress payment.

 

For more information, including a searchable list of the local sites that have joined the Scheme visit www.nationalredress.gov.au/institutions