Up to 10,000 Queenslanders who suffered institutional child sexual abuse are expected a seek redress after the state government passed legislation to join the National Redress Scheme.
Victims will be able to apply for up to $150,000 compensation, access counselling and psychological care, and a direct personal response from the institution responsible for their abuse.
"The passing of this Bill now means approximately 5000 people who suffered abuse in Queensland government institutions, and an estimated 5000 who were abused in non-government institutions, will be able to seek redress through the national scheme," Child Safety Minister Di Farmer said in a statement after the legislation passed on Wednesday.
Ms Farmer said the sexual abuse happened in both government and non-government institutions.
The Queensland government confirmed in April it would contribute $500 million to support the National Redress Scheme.
Ms Farmer said non-government institutions who had not opted into the scheme should do the right thing by the children they had failed to protect and join.
"This scheme is very important for people who endured these horrendous experiences of sexual abuse, as it acknowledges what they have been through," she said.
Queensland's participation in the scheme is expected to start in late 2018.
Share
