Victorian private schools, religious entities and other organisations who don't sign up to a redress scheme for child sex abuse survivors may lose funding, the state government will announce on Sunday.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended a national redress scheme to provide survivors with support such as compensation.
Victoria's Attorney-General Jill Hennessy said 49 non-government organisations operating in the state had not signed up to the scheme, which has a June 30 deadline.
They include private schools, religious entities, sport and recreation groups, and community, youth and family services.
Ms Hennessy said she expected all state institutions to sign up to the redress scheme or risk tough new sanctions.
“My expectation is that Victorian institutions who have not yet signed up to the scheme do so immediately," she said.
"Refusing to sign up is just not acceptable."
As at the end of January, 6077 survivors have made applications under the scheme nationwide. Of these, 1367 applications have been finalised.
However, more than 500 applications remain on hold because the institution named by the applicant has not signed up to the voluntary scheme.
Under federal legislation, institutions can only join if they can fulfil their obligations under the legislation, including the financial capacity to pay redress.
“It is deeply disappointing that institutions which have the capacity to join the scheme and have had ample time since being notified of their potential redress liability have not done so," Ms Hennessy said.
“We know people are dying waiting for fair compensation for the horrific abuse and injustice they have faced.
"With these changes we are ensuring institutions are held accountable for failing in their moral duty to support and acknowledge their victims.”
About half of all non-participating institutions operating in Victoria receive some form of state government funding.
Institutional child sex abuse survivors can apply for up to $150,000, counselling services and a direct personal response such as an apology from the institution responsible for the abuse, under the scheme.