National Redress Scheme Survivor Roundtable

Department of Social Services (DSS), Australian Government

Who funded the project

 

The National Redress Scheme Survivor Roundtable provides survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and their advocates a platform to give feedback on the Scheme and receive updates on its performance. The Second Year Review highlighted the need for formal inclusion of survivors in the governance structure. Following this recommendation, the governance arrangements were amended to incorporate the Roundtable. The recent Roundtable, hosted by Minister Rishworth, focused on improving the survivor experience and discussing future improvements. Prof. Kerry Arabena facilitated the event and had input to the design and delivery of the program alongside DSS staff.

Summary

 

The aims of the project are:

  • to provide survivors and their advocates with a formal mechanism for input on the National Redress Scheme

  • to ensure the Scheme is timely, trauma-informed, accessible and supportive of survivors

  • to implement recommendations from the Second Year Review of the Scheme.

Project Aims

 

The project methodologies include:

hosting regular roundtables with survivors, advocates and senior officials

engaging attendees in structured discussions to gather feedback on the Scheme’s performance

presentations from key officials on the Scheme’s progress and future plans

utilising feedback tools such as coloured dots and post-it notes to capture attendees’ opinions on various aspects of the Scheme.

Methodologies

 

Updated information on the DSS website that specifically relates to the Perth workshop.

Outputs

 

Project outcomes include ongoing, trauma-informed support mechanisms embedded in the Scheme’s operations.

The feedback indicated strengths in the Scheme, such as:

  • Safe delivery of outcomes by Redress staff.

  • Management of privacy and confidentiality.

  • Access to financial and support services.

  • Adequate time for applications.

Areas needing improvement included:

  • Providing more information for applications.

  • Reducing legalistic language in forms and letters.

  • Ensuring applicants have support to receive and consider their outcomes.

This project emphasises the importance of survivor input in shaping and improving the National Redress Scheme, ensuring it meets their needs effectively.

Short-term outcomes:

  • Increased awareness among stakeholders about the Scheme’s progress and areas needing improvement.

  • Direct feedback from survivors incorporated into the Scheme’s operations.

Medium-term outcomes:

  • Implementation of specific improvements based on survivor feedback, such as clearer application processes and more accessible communication.

Long-term outcomes:

  • Enhanced survivor experience with the Scheme, leading to better engagement and satisfaction.

Project Outcomes

 

#NationalRedressScheme
#InstitutionalChildSexualAbuse
#SurvivorAdvocacy
#Trauma-InformedSupport
#Governance
#FeedbackMechanisms
#SurvivorExperience
The following links provide further information:
https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/about/survivor-roundtable
https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/about/updates/1891

Key words

Peter Imboy