2022-02-24
To ensure victim-survivors of institutional child sexual abuse receive the redress they deserve, the ACT Government has strengthened its sanctions policy to encourage non-government institutions (NGIs) to join the National Redress Scheme.
“The National Redress Scheme acknowledges that many children were sexually abused in Australian institutions, holds institutions accountable for this abuse, and helps victim-survivors access the redress they deserve,” Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said.
“The ACT’s new sanctions policy sets a clear process for the sanctions to be applied and will allow the ACT Government to be transparent in its sanctioning of NGIs.”
Under the sanctions policy that comes into effect today, the ACT Government can:
- remove ACT Government support by rendering the NGI ineligible for future ACT Government grants or in-kind support and withdraw any grant or in-kind support; and
- publicly name the NGI after the Commonwealth Government has publicly named it.
Under the new sanctions policy, as soon as the Commonwealth sanctions the institution, the ACT can consider imposing sanctions. The new policy will also allow the ACT Government to be transparent and public in its sanctioning of institutions.
“It is important that NGIs that decline or delay their participation in the Scheme are subject to appropriate consequences,” Attorney-General Rattenbury said. “If they fail to uphold their moral obligation to join the Scheme, the ACT Government will consider imposing sanctions on non-participating NGIs on a case-by-case basis.
“That is why today, I publicly name the Forrest Tennis Club, and strongly encourage it to join the Scheme so that survivors can access the redress they deserve. Until the club joins the Scheme it will not be eligible for ACT Government grants or in-kind support, and I have advised the Club of this.
“The ACT Government will continue to engage with NGIs to encourage them to join the scheme.”
The National Redress Scheme provides redress for eligible survivors of institutional child sexual abuse including monetary payment, psychological care, and counselling, and/or a direct personal response, such an apology from the responsible government or non-government institution.
The ACT Government joined the National Redress Scheme in 2018, along with other Australian jurisdictions. Further information about the Scheme is available on the National Redress website or by calling 1800 737 377. To read more about the ACT Sanctions Policy, click here.