National Redress Scheme

The National Redress Scheme (Scheme) was created by the Australian Government in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Scheme commenced on 1 July 2018 and provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse (CSA).

The Scheme is an alternative to seeking compensation through the courts and can provide three things:

  • Access to counselling;
  • A payment (ranging from less than $10,000 through to $150,000 depending on the circumstances); and
  • A direct personal response from the institution (e.g. an apology) for people who want it.

The Scheme offers an accessible and confidential process with an Independent Decision Maker determining the amount of the payment without attending any hearing.

Sadly, St Michael’s Collegiate School (Collegiate) acknowledges incidents of historical sexual abuse having occurred at our School. We believe that a redress payment is an important step in recognising the suffering of people who have experienced child sexual abuse.

As a result, Collegiate joined the Scheme via the Anglican Representative (National Redress Scheme) Limited (ARNRSL) and the Minister for Families and Social Services made a declaration formalising the inclusion of Collegiate in the Scheme via ARNRSL, with effect from 29 March 2019.

This means people who were abused in the care of Collegiate can apply to the Scheme for redress. People can apply now using an online or paper form. Free and confidential Redress Support Services are available throughout the process to help explain the Scheme and application processes.

Collegiate is committed to listening and responding to requests for a direct personal response. For some, receiving an apology from the Principal or visiting the School might be important, whilst for others, this is not.

Anyone seeking further information can visit the National Redress Website or call the National Redress Scheme line on 1800 73 73 77. Please contact Principal, Dr Adam Forsyth, on (03) 6211 4908 or at principal@collegiate.tas.edu.au if you would like to discuss anything relating to these matters.