BishopAccountability.org
 
 

Cautious Response to Abuse Redress Plans

Sky News
January 29, 2016

http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/2016/01/29/cautious-response-to-abuse-redress-plans.html

The Catholic Church has given a lukewarm reception to the federal government's plans for redress schemes for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

Francis Sullivan, CEO of the church's Truth, Justice and Healing Council, welcomed the government's announcement on Friday that it would work with states and territories to develop a "nationally consistent approach" to paying redress.

However Mr Sullivan said it was "disappointing" that the federal government is not further advanced in its plans, considering it has had recommendations for a redress scheme from the child abuse royal commission for months.

"This is, at best, a tentative start to what has been a very long wait for child sexual abuse survivors," Mr Sullivan said.

Federal Attorney-General George Brandis and Social Services Minister Christian Porter announced they will work with states and territories to develop a nationally consistent approach to paying redress under which "substantial responsibility" would reside with the jurisdiction where the offence took place.

The child abuse royal commission has previously recommended a national scheme, estimated to cost $4.3 billion over 10 years and underwritten by the federal government, as its preferred option.

Friday's announcement does not mention federal funding and says the commonwealth's starting point for discussions "is that governments and non-government institutions should take essential responsibility for the wrongs committed under their care".

That wording appears closer to the "next best option" of state and territory schemes outlined by the royal commission if a national scheme is not established.

Adults Surviving Child Abuse president, Dr Cathy Kezelman, said the Turnbull government had shown leadership in developing a national response to redress.

However Dr Kezelman said talks must progress quickly and the issue must not become "a political football".

"While conversations are important, so too is action - it's important to remember that survivors are ageing," she said.

The joint ministerial release says Mr Brandis and Mr Porter will soon commence discussions with the states and territories "to carefully work through the many complex issues to achieve an outcome for survivors as soon as possible".

Labor already has announced it will establish a $33 million national redress scheme for survivors if it's elected.

The Abbott government previously rejected a national scheme as being too complex and South Australia's government has said it will not participate in a national scheme as it has its own.

NSW and Victoria have previously supported a national redress scheme.

Mr Sullivan from the Truth, Justice and Healing Council said Friday's announcement lacked detail.

"I think survivors could have expected a bit more from today's statement," he said.

 

 

 

 

 




.

 
 

Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.