Local Government Minister David Templeman has today commended all 137 Western Australian local governments for joining the National Redress Scheme to recognise the harm suffered by survivors of historical child sexual abuse.
The Scheme, created in response to recommendations by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, gives survivors a simpler and more streamlined alternative to pursuing civil litigation through the courts.
Since early 2019, the State Government, through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, has consulted with the local government sector about participating in the Scheme.
By joining the Scheme, any payments made to survivors involving services operated by a local government will be paid for by the McGowan Government.
People who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse can access counselling, a personal apology and a redress payment of up to $150,000 through the Scheme.
As stated by Local Government Minister David Templeman:
“I welcome the decision made by each local government to join the State in participating in the National Redress Scheme.
“It’s a decision that aligns with the State and reflects empathy through acknowledging the harm suffered by survivors of historical child sexual abuse.
“Redress not only provides survivors with an easier, more supportive and less traumatic alternative to pursuing civil litigation through the courts, but importantly, holds institutions accountable for this abuse.
“This is a significant step forward which supports the State Government’s position of providing redress to as many survivors as possible and working to prevent such abuse from happening in the future.”
