The Australian Government has appointed former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Mr Michael Manthorpe PSM to lead the Eighth Anniversary Review of the National Redress Scheme.
The independent review will help identify opportunities to strengthen outcomes for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and ensure they have access to appropriate, timely and trauma-informed support.
Mr Manthorpe will examine the overall operation of the scheme and provide advice on ways to improve the Scheme’s administration and application processing, which could be through legislation, policy or operational processes.
Commencing on 1 July 2026, the review will take account of issues raised in previous reviews and inquiries, including reports from the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme. The voices of survivors will be paramount in the review.
The findings, expected later this year, will help inform the Government’s next steps — including how to conclude the Scheme by the legislated closure date in two years, and how best to support survivors beyond 2028.
Applying for redress can be a daunting and deeply personal process. Ensuring survivors have access to practical, timely and trauma‑informed support remains a central priority.
That’s why we have committed more than $274 million through to 2027–28 for Redress Support Services and Knowmore legal services, ensuring applicants can access the assistance they need throughout the process.
This is one of several significant steps the Government has taken to improve the Scheme, including:
- clear and trauma-informed communication with applicants
- accelerating application outcomes
- streamlining less complex applications, and
- identifying issues earlier and reducing requests for additional information.
These reforms are delivering results. We have more than doubled the number of applications resolved each month, from around 300 to 500 per month in early 2025 to more than 1,000 in March 2026.
Since the Scheme was established in 2018, 29,191 Redress outcomes have been advised to survivors, equating to approximately $2.03 billion in payments. More than 700 non-government institutions now participate in the Scheme across Australia. But we know there is still more to do.
Consultations will open to all stakeholders, including survivors, from 1 July and close on 31 July. To have your say, visit DSS Engage.
More information is available at the Department of Social Services website and National Redress Scheme.
A list of available supports can be found at 24/7 Support | National Redress Scheme.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“The National Redress Scheme is an important way to support survivors to heal, and we are committed to ensuring it delivers outcomes in a timely, trauma-informed and effective way.
“We know that the application process can be daunting, and for many, it’s the first time they’ve ever shared their trauma.
“That’s why we are focused on improving how the Scheme operates — so survivors receive outcomes sooner and with better support throughout the process.
“Eight years on, this review is an important opportunity to listen to survivors and ensure the Scheme continues to reflect their needs, now and into the future.”