The prime minister's department maintains the states and territories are being consulted about the national redress scheme for child sexual abuse victims.
Some states like Victoria are demanding more information before deciding whether to opt into the scheme, but those details have yet to be worked out.
The full details of the scheme have not been finalised, a Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) spokesperson said.
"The government is consulting with states and territories and institutions on the design and implementation of this scheme to deliver a fair and equitable outcome for survivors," the spokesperson told AAP on Thursday.
Survivors of institutional child abuse will be able to get up to $150,000 as part of the planned national redress scheme announced on November 4.
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But there was immediate doubt all states, territories, churches and charities would take part in the opt-in scheme, with South Australia opting out.
Victorian Attorney-General Martin Pakula this week said his request to federal Social Services Minister Christian Porter for urgent details about the proposed scheme had gone unanswered.
Mr Porter said there had been extensive government consultations with the states and territories over many months and discussions were continuing, led by the redress taskforce in the PM&C.
He said an independent advisory council comprising a range of specialists was being established to provide advice on the implementation of the scheme, which will be established by 2018.
The PM&C spokesperson said following the announcement, the redress scheme was discussed at a meeting of Council of Australian Governments senior officials on November 11.
The redress taskforce would continue to meet with state and territory officials and institutions, with a number of meetings scheduled for this year, they said.
"The Australian government is committed to working closely with states and territories and institutions on this important and sensitive issue," they said on Thursday in response to questions from AAP.
