Scheme to pay abused kids

TASMANIA will consult with other states before committing to a national redress scheme that will pay survivors of child sexual abuse up to $150,000.

The scheme was presented to Federal Parliament yesterday, with Social Services Minister Christian Porter telling MPs it was an “historic and critical step” towards providing justice.

Legislation he tabled in Parliament creates a framework for all states, territories and non-government institutions.

Negotiations on the scheme with the states are continuing.

Premier Will Hodgman said Tasmania was working with other jurisdictions to understand the implications of the scheme.

“We want to ensure we provide the best possible support for those who have been the victims of abuse, as the Tasmanian Government has done in the past,” Mr Hodgman said.

“We are working co-operatively with all other jurisdictions with respect to the design for this model.”

Mr Hodgman said implementing the scheme would be complicated by different states’ various arrangements.

Tasmania’s Abuse in State Care Support Service makes up to $2500 available to aid education, counselling and health services for those abused as children within that system.

Mr Hodgman said the State Budget’s stronger position was likely to make the $13.5 million cost of the new scheme affordable for the state.

The State Labor Opposition was open to discussions on the new scheme, spokeswoman Michelle O’Byrne said.

But Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the Government had lagged behind on addressing the reforms, which could aid 7500 Tasmanians.

“No provision for funding was made in the State Budget, and there has been no commitment yet from the Liberals,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Tasmanian survivors of childhood sexual abuse have been denied justice and let down enough.”

There are three elements to the scheme: A TAX-FREE redress payment of up to $150,000 that would not affect welfare entitlements.

ACCESS to psychological counselling.

A DIRECT personal response from the abusing institution if requested by the survivor.

It will be funded on a “responsible entity pays” basis.

Mr Porter said the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse estimated that 60,000 children were sexually abused.

“These were shocking and inexplicable acts by people responsible for the care and protection of children,” he said.