National Redress Scheme Eighth Anniversary Review

Opening Soon

The National Redress Scheme (Scheme) is undergoing an independent review. The review will focus on priority areas for improvement and critical measures to support safe closure of the Scheme.

The review will build on findings and recommendations from previous reviews and consultations, as well as information received through submissions and other sources, including Scheme performance data, complaints information and submissions to the current Joint Standing Committee inquiry.

The review aims to understand progress to date, identify priority areas for improvement and will focus in particular on how people access and understand the Scheme, how it is delivering timely and high-quality outcomes, what should be prioritised as the Scheme approaches closure, and what lessons can inform future supports for survivors and reporting on the Scheme’s progress.

Under its legislation, applications to the Redress Scheme close on 30 June 2027.

Your feedback will help inform the review’s recommendations. Key things we want to hear from you about:

  • how the Scheme ensures survivors know about the Scheme and can access the application process
  • how the Scheme can deliver timely and quality application outcomes in the time remaining
  • lessons learned from the operation of the Scheme that can inform future support and services for survivors.

Feedback is open to everyone and we are especially interested in hearing from:

  • previous and current applicants to the Scheme
  • families, friends, carers and anyone who has supported someone with their redress journey
  • survivors who have decided not to apply to the Scheme or who have started an application but did not continue
  • Redress Support Services and advocacy organisations
  • institutions.

You can provide feedback by:

  • uploading a written submission
  • responding to the feedback form.

It is up to you whether you choose to make a submission or respond to the questions in the form.  The form and submissions will be open from 1 to 31 July 2026.

About the Scheme and previous reviews

The Scheme is for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse. It was established on 1 July 2018 and applications for redress can be submitted until 30 June 2027.

The Scheme’s legislation requires two reviews be undertaken into the operation of the Scheme. The first review was conducted by Ms Robyn Kruk after the second year of the Scheme.

There has been a number of other independent reviews of the Scheme over the course of its operation, including a current inquiry being conducted by the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme.

You can review the outcomes and Scheme responses to previous reviews.

About the review

Now that the Scheme is in its eighth year, it is time to hear from you again. This eighth anniversary review will consider findings and recommendations from these earlier reviews and report on the Scheme’s progress.

Mr Michael Manthorpe PSM has been appointed as independent reviewer for the eighth anniversary review. The reviewer’s role is to listen to your feedback and provide a report and recommendations to the Minister for Social Services. The Scheme will consider the report and will publicly respond. We will publish the report and the response on the Scheme website.

The Review will cover topics as outlined in the Terms or Reference.

Support is available

Redress Support Services are available to help you while you respond to the review. Support is free and confidential. You can find a Redress Support Service close to you by visiting our website.

If you are experiencing symptoms of emotional distress or supporting someone who is, these services are here for you.

Contact Us

Further updates about the eighth anniversary review will be posted on the Scheme website.

If you have any questions about the consultation, please email redressreview@dss.gov.au.

Contact us