Inquiry begins into the operation of the National Redress Scheme

THE Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will inquire into the operation of the scheme.

This new inquiry will look closely into a range of areas, including: The experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the scheme; and accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates.

Full details of what the inquiry will examine can be found in the terms of reference on the committee’s website.

The committee wants to hear from individuals and organisations on their experience with the scheme.

Chair of the Committee, Senator Catryna Bilyk said it was imperative that the committee heard first-hand the experiences people have had when accessing the scheme.

“There are low rates of access in parts of our community amongst people who are eligible to access the scheme,” Senator Bilyk said. “We need to understand what the barriers to access are to ensure that everyone who is eligible to seek redress does so."

The committee is seeking submissions from interested individuals and organisations on the inquiry’s terms of reference by Monday, February 27, 2023.

Submissions can respond to some or all aspects of the inquiry terms of reference.

Further information about the committee is available at https://www.aph.gov.au/redress.

 

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