National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment 2023

# National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment 2023 ## What it does This law makes changes to how the National Redress Scheme handles claims from people who experienced child sexual abuse in institutions (like churches, schools, or youth organisations). The main changes allow determinations to be reviewed, prevent people convicted of serious crimes from accessing the scheme while imprisoned, and tighten rules around what information can be shared publicly. ## Why it matters These changes aim to make the scheme fairer and prevent abuse of the system, while protecting survivors' privacy. They also clarify what happens when institutions can't or won't pay—the government may step in as a last resort funder. ## Key details - **Review process**: People can now request a review of decisions made about their claim, rather than being locked in permanently - **Criminal convictions rule**: People serving sentences for serious crimes are blocked from making new applications, but can reapply once released - **Privacy protections**: Stricter controls on releasing sensitive information, affecting both the redress scheme and Freedom of Information requests - **Timing**: Most changes take effect about a week after the law receives Royal Assent; other changes will be set by proclamation with a 6-month deadline

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament