The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme anticipates it will finish its inquiry into the operation of the National Redress Scheme in November 2024.
Over the course of the inquiry, the Committee has received over 50 submissions and held 11 public hearings. Evidence received has highlighted areas the Committee has examined including:
- the experience of First Nations applicants and applicants with disability in their dealings with the Scheme
- accessibility, performance and effectiveness of support services and legal advice for survivors and their advocates
- barriers and complications experienced when accessing the Scheme, such as with language, communication and cultural safety
- the need for increased resources for redress legal services and counselling support services to better meet demand and reduce long waiting periods
- concerns regarding delays processing applications, the consistency of redress outcomes and the transparency of decisions.
Senator Catryna Bilyk, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme, said: 'The Committee is grateful for the submissions received later in the inquiry and is taking the time needed to ensure this evidence is considered. This has resulted in the expected completion of the inquiry to be extended from October to November.'
'The evidence we have received has been extremely important to this inquiry and the Committee is working hard to consider this evidence carefully and respectfully in the drafting of its report. The Committee appreciates the efforts taken by contributors of this inquiry and hopes to provide a report that reflects the evidence provided throughout the inquiry.'
