National abuse redress scheme a step closer as Tasmania signs

The redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse has moved closer to nationwide coverage, adding to pressure on WA and SA to join.

Tasmanian Attorney-General Elise Archer says there’s no cap on the state’s funding for the redress scheme. Picture: Richard Jupe

The redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse has moved closer to nationwide coverage, with Tasmania opting in, adding to pressure on Western Australia and South Australia to join.

Tasmania today committed to the $3.8 billion scheme, providing $70 million in state funds for redress payments during the next four years alone.

State attorney-general Elise Archer said survivors who had already received payments under an earlier state payment scheme would be still be eligible.

However, any payments made previously under the state compensation scheme of 2003 and 2013 would be treated as “offsets” in the determination of the new payments.

Ms Archer said there was no cap on funding Tasmania’s contribution to the scheme, which will operate from July 1, and provide payments of up to $150,000, as well as counselling and legal assistance.

“The rationale for redress is not to compensate for damages for the abuse suffered, but to make a monetary payment to acknowledge the harm done,” she said.

Federally-appointed independent decision makers would determine the quantum of individual payments and the degree to which these should be “offset” by past compensation under the $54m state scheme.

Ms Archer said she would be getting back in touch with non-government institutions, such as the Catholic Church and the Salvation Army, to discuss them also opting into the scheme.

The state’s Anglican diocese has announced its own redress commitment but has been criticised for linking its funding to the controversial sale of church buildings.

Ms Archer also used today’s “historic” announcement to reveal July 1 as the date for the removal of the statute of limitations on civil action against perpetrators of child sexual abuse.

Labor opposition leader Rebecca White criticised the state’s delay in signing up to the national scheme as “unfair” to survivors.

Premier Will Hodgman said these comments were “poor form” and “disrespectful” given that the delay was due to the complexities involved and ensuring the scheme was effective.

The state government also stepped-up pressure on opposition parties, independents and the balance of power independent speaker, Sue Hickey, to back legislation for mandatory jail sentences for the worst child sex offenders.

WA said earlier this month it hoped to consider a plan to join the national redress scheme soon, with the legal responsibility for child migrants a last impediment. SA today restated in-principle support for joining the scheme but said it was still working through the detail.