$5m and rising ... 76 abuse survivors compensated in Tasmania as part of National Redress Scheme

Dozens of Tasmanians have received significant payments under the National Redress Scheme for victims of institutional childhood sexual abuse.

MORE than 70 Tasmanians have received payments under the National Redress Scheme for victims of institutional childhood abuse, with the total compensation across the state at almost $5 million.

As of December, the National Redress Scheme had received more than 5510 applications across the country and had reached 1096 decisions, including 792 payments totalling about $64.1 million.

State Attorney-General Elise Archer yesterday confirmed 76 of those claims were from Tasmania, totalling about $5 million in payments – an average of $65,800 per claim.

Meanwhile, the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania has revealed it has so far sold 26 properties across the state to help fund its contribution to the redress scheme.

Among the properties that have sold include Lenah Valley’s St Andrew’s Church and Hall, St James’ Church at Montagu Bay and St Luke’s Rectory at Richmond.

FAITHFUL PAYING FOR THE SINS OF A FEW

The diocese announced Colebrook’s St James’ Church as coming to market soon – a decision which has caused stress in the Southern Midlands community.

“From our point of view, the church is an important community asset. You can feel that it has held valuable history and there’s a sense that it was loved by all,” Colebrook Progress Association secretary Leanne Doherty said.

“One elderly resident who was married there has expressed her sadness at the church’s intended sale as she hoped to have her funeral hosted there too.”

Bishop Condie continue with the sale of properties on the finalised list to ensure that we have sufficient funds, Newell. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Bishop of Tasmania Dr Richard Condie said funding redress obligations remained the key driver for the sale of church properties.

“We will therefore continue with the sale of properties on the finalised list to ensure that we have sufficient funds,” he said.

“We anticipate a number of sales to local community groups will be finalised over the coming months.

“We recognise that churches and cemeteries hold significant value within local communities. We are therefore committed to prioritising community-driven solutions.”

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The Anglican Church did not reveal how much had been raised from property sales.

Only 25 per cent of the money made from the sales will go to funding the redress, with the remainder used for church activities.

More than 20 Tasmanian institutions have signed up to fund the National Redress Scheme.

Steve Fisher, of Hobart sexual assault support group Beyond Abuse, said the free advice service had received an increase in Tasmanians seeking support.

“In 2018, 88 people came to us asking for help and last year we referred 101 people to legal services,” he said.

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