Federal Government Announces National Approach to Compensation for Survivors of "Heinous" Institutional Child Sex Abuse

ABC News
January 29, 2016

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-29/compensating-institutional-child-sex-abuse-victims/7124554

The Federal Government has taken the next step towards compensating victims of institutional child sex abuse by confirming plans to consult with states on a national scheme.

The Coalition has announced consultations on a nationally consistent approach to "redress" victims, in response to the lengthy royal commission process that had been underway since 2013.

The Federal Government has released a statement saying "governments and non-government institutions should take essential responsibility for the wrongs committed under their care".

Options for redress could include compensation, a personal response and counselling.

The Opposition put forward its own proposal last year for a $20 million contribution to establish a National Redress Agency.

Labor's families spokesman Jenny Macklin said the Government's announcement had not been costed and was long overdue.

"Today's announcement contains few details on how the Government intends to develop a national approach to redress, or any indication on how long this process will take," Ms Macklin said.

"The Government must immediately make clear when a national scheme will start, and what the Commonwealth's financial contribution will be."

The Coalition statement has acknowledged the need to act quickly.

"The report makes it clear that redress should be about providing recognition for the survivor, not about protecting the institution's interests," the statement said.

"A nationally consistent approach will ensure that survivors from offending institutions all receive proper redress, irrespective of the location of the institution at the time of the offending or the present status of the offending institution.

"The Commonwealth will work with its state and territory counterparts to help secure justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes."