Turnbull quizzed on abuse redress

The prime minister says the government will work sensitively with states, churches and abuse survivors on redress.

Malcolm Turnbull says the federal government is seeking to deliver a nationally consistent approach to redress for the survivors of institutional abuse.

Acting Labor leader Tanya Plibersek asked the prime minister in parliament on Thursday why he was refusing to set up a national scheme as recommended by the royal commission.

"The important thing for us to do is to acknowledge those wrongs, affirm that we believe them ... and then we have to ensure that redress is provided," Mr Turnbull said.