Unclear stance on redress scheme for Ballarat sex abuse victim's

By Melissa Cunningham
Courier
May 10, 2016

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/3898670/redress-scheme-stance-unclear/

Sarah Wade is the only current local federal election candidate that does not have a stance on a national redress scheme for childhood sexual abuse survivors.  

The Liberal candidate told The Courier while she commended the work of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, she did not have a clear political stance on redress. 

“To start with, I want to make it very clear that I don’t want to make this a political football,” Ms Wade said.

 “I understand many children have suffered from systematic sexual abuse which is horrifying.”

“While the issue of redress is simple in terms of need, it is complex in terms of law.”

Ms Wade said while she understood “present uncertainty” surrounding the  national redress scheme may cause stress to families, it was important work was carried out “thoroughly” to allow victims to get on with their lives.

Labor has pledged its support for the national redress scheme but the Turnbull government has so far not committed to contribute any shortfall funding.

Ballarat clergy abuse survivor Andrew Collins slammed Ms Wade’s reluctance to make a stand. 

Mr Collins said while the proposed scheme fell short of what was needed for survivors, action was needed now.

“Victims are dying,” Mr Collins said.

“The longer a government waits to implement a scheme the more victims will die.”

“This can only be measured in lives not in dollars.”  

“The Labor party has had a policy on this since last year. They committed bipartisan support to put a legislation through and the Liberal party did nothing.”

“I find it incredible that Sarah Wade wishes to represent the people of Ballarat yet neither herself, or her party have made a clear position on this issue that is so critical to Ballarat.”

Greens federal candidate for Ballarat Alice Barnes said the city was an epicentre for child sexual abused she backed the roll-out of a national redress scheme to ensure all victims of child sex crimes were compensated fairly.  

The Greens party’s redress scheme for survivors, released this week, proposed payments ranging from $10,000 up to $200,000.

“It’s time we had courage to bully redress for those who have suffered for such a long time,” Ms Barnes said.

Ballarat Labor MP Catherine King has previously backed a national redress scheme.