Tuesday, 13 March 2018
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has applauded the NSW Government’s decision to join a national redress scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
Mr Marshall said survivors of child sexual abuse in NSW Government institutions would soon have access to a consistent and compassionate scheme designed to be responsive to their needs.
“It’s a national shame that so many children were sexually abused in environments where they should have been nurtured and protected,” Mr Marshall said.
“A redress scheme is vital to help ensure survivors in the Northern Tablelands and in all communities across Australia are supported and treated with dignity.”
A single national redress scheme was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Mr Marshall said the scheme would provide survivors with a redress payment of up to $150,000, access to counselling and direct personal responses from institutions.
“NSW and Victoria will be the first states to opt into the scheme, which is vital to acknowledging the suffering of survivors of abuse and supporting them on their journey to recovery,” Mr Marshall said.
“Redress is an important part of recognising the lifelong impact of child abuse on survivors, many of whom carry the scars decades after abuse occurred. We strongly encourage non-government organisations in NSW also to opt in.”
Mr Marshall said NSW is a leader in child protection and supporting survivors of abuse.
“NSW has already removed the limitation period for survivors to launch civil claims for compensation. We have also improved our Model Litigation Policy which ensures a more compassionate approach to how civil child abuse claims are managed by NSW Government agencies,” Mr Marshall said.
“We were also the first state to introduce trained witness intermediaries to help child victims and witnesses of sexual abuse understand questions and convey their answers effectively in criminal proceedings. The Royal Commission has recommended this reform be introduced nationwide.
“The NSW Government will make its formal response to all Royal Commission recommendations in June.”