Law to bring SA into abuse redress scheme

A new bill before the South Australian parliament will officially confirm the state's participation in the National Redress Scheme.

Vickie Chapman

A-G Vickie Chapman says SA's participation in the National Redress Scheme is now official. (AAP)

The South Australian government has introduced legislation to state parliament to confirm SA's participation in the National Redress Scheme for victims of institutional child sex abuse.

The government has also set aside $146 million, which it believes will cover the compensation payments for those who suffered abuse in state-run institutions.

"As best we can, we're trying to make sure that this new process is a lot less traumatic than if they had to pursue a civil claim," Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said on Wednesday.

Under the national scheme, victims of abuse can receive payments of up to $150,000.

Those who have already received lesser amounts through a former SA-based scheme will not be able to double-dip but will be able to top up to the higher amount where applicable.

Ms Chapman said the royal commission into child sex abuse had revealed instances of appalling treatment of vulnerable members of the community.

"The crimes committed against innocent children cannot be undone but it's critical that the legacy of child sexual abuse is addressed," she said.


Share
1 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
Law to bring SA into abuse redress scheme | SBS News