Six institutions that have still failed to sign up to redress must now face tough financial penalties

Maurice Blackburn Abuse Law Principal Michelle James said that despite the deadline for institutions to sign up a handful of high profile organisations with the financial capacity have still not done so.

“These institutions are Australian Air League, Boys’ Brigade NSW, Fairbridge Restored Limited, Lakes Entrance Pony Club, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Kenja Communications.

“Unfortunately this list includes a number of institutions that were specifically identified in the Royal Commission.

“We are calling for these institutions to now be financially penalised, either through the suspension of all tax concessions, the suppression of charitable status, or through the removal of government funding in line with the recent announcement by the Victorian Government.

“It’s vitally important that these institutions sign up to the National Redress Scheme as soon as possible as until they do so survivors cannot have their applications processed and some continue to die before receiving compensation.

“There are no excuses for institutions that have known for many months that they have been named in a redress application but have refused to join,” she said.

Ms James said that survivors deserve a scheme that stands true to the recommendations of the Royal Commission.

“We will continue to call for state, territory and federal governments to agree to lift the maximum redress payment to $200,000 and adult survivors of abuse should be provided with professional counselling, in line with the Royal Commission recommendations.

“We also continue to urge the Federal Government to step up as the funder of last resort for national institutions to ensure the scheme can operate efficiently,” Ms James said.