Plan for victims’ redress scheme

PS News
August 12, 2015

http://www.psnews.com.au/vic/468/news/plan-for-victims-redress-scheme

The Department of Justice and Regulation has released a Consultation Paper exploring the possibility of establishing a redress scheme for victims of institutional child abuse.

According to the Consultation Paper, the absence of broad support required for a national redress scheme, particularly from the Federal Government, has led the Victorian Government to press ahead with a State scheme in order to meet its commitment to work on the implementation of recommendations made in the 2013 Betrayal of Trust Report.

“The release of this Consultation Paper is a critical step in that process, and the input received will be of great value to the Government in determining what form of Redress Scheme is adopted in Victoria,” the Consultation Paper said.

The Family and Community Development Committee of the Victorian Parliament’s Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Non-Government Organisations recommended in its Report, Betrayal of Trust, that an alternative to courts be established for survivors to bring claims against institutions.

The 2013 Report proposed a so-called Redress Scheme, which is often used to deliver financial payments and other benefits as an alternative to traditional avenues of litigation.

In response, the Consultation Paper sets out a potential Victorian Redress Scheme for victims of institutional child abuse and gives members of the public an opportunity to have their say on how such a Scheme would work.

Attorney-General, Martin Pakula said the Consultation Paper would ensure the many issues of stakeholders were taken into account, ensuring recommendation of the most effective ways to support survivors.

“A Redress Scheme will help recognise the harm caused by institutional child abuse and provide an opportunity for survivors to obtain justice,” Mr Pakula said.

“Victims have often spoken about the trauma associated with going to court, and this Scheme will provide them with an alternative approach to obtain justice without pursuing civil litigation.”

Mr Pakula said the release of the Consultation Paper would not preclude Victoria’s participation in a national Scheme.

He said the State Government remained prepared to consult and work with other Australian Governments to address the harm of institutional child abuse, and in the interim Victoria would continue to work on implementing the Betrayal of Trust Report’s recommendations.

The deadline for submissions on the proposed Scheme is 5 October.