Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will make a national apology to victims of institutional child sexual abuse by the end of the year.
Providing an update on the government's response to the royal commission report released in mid-December, Mr Turnbull said a survivor-focused reference group will be appointed to advise on the form and content of the apology.
The government will roll out a redress scheme for survivors from July 1. One was recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Mr Turnbull urged the states, territories and non-government organisations not to delay signing up to the scheme, saying only maximum participation would allow it to be successful.
He will discuss the scheme with state and territory leaders at the Council of Australian Governments Meeting in Canberra on Friday.
He has paid tribute to the victims who have shared their experiences.
"Today we honour the bravest among them - the survivors and their families. They relived the worst moments of their lives - often telling their stories for the first time - so that these terrible abuses will never be allowed to happen again."
