National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2021 Measures No.12) Declaration 2021

Overview

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2021 Measures No. 12) Declaration 2021I was enacted to amend the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Declaration 2018. The instrument was made under the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 and was signed by Anne Ruston, the Minister for Families and Social Services. The purpose of this amendment was to ensure that the National Redress Scheme covers additional institutions involved in child sexual abuse, thereby expanding the scope of the Scheme to provide redress to more victims. The commencement of the instrument occurred in stages, with certain provisions coming into effect immediately after registration, and others following the commencement of the initial provisions. The policy objective of the Act is to provide a national redress scheme for victims of institutional child sexual abuse, ensuring that they have access to compensation and support. The Declaration amends the original instrument by adding specific institutions to the list of those covered by the Scheme. This includes adding new entries to the table in Schedule 1 of the original Declaration and making corresponding changes to the text. These amendments ensure that the Scheme's scope is broadened to encompass additional institutions, thereby addressing the problem of underrepresentation of certain entities within the Scheme. The amendments reflect a commitment to ensuring comprehensive redress for all victims of institutional child sexual abuse.

Scope and Application

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2021 Measures No. 12) Declaration 2021, made under the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018, amends the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Declaration 2018 to expand the list of institutions eligible for the scheme. This instrument applies to specific institutions involved in child sexual abuse cases and is designed to provide redress to victims of institutional child sexual abuse. The amendments come into effect on the day after the instrument is registered, with certain provisions commencing immediately after the commencement of the main instrument. The expanded list of institutions includes additional entities such as the Australian Community Support Organisation Ltd., Carey Baptist Grammar Schools Limited, The Trustees of the Presentation Sisters, Diocese of Lismore, Waverley Christian College Inc, and the Anglican Church of Australia, among others. This amendment ensures that a broader range of institutions implicated in historical child sexual abuse cases are covered under the National Redress Scheme, thereby extending the scope of redress available to victims.

Key Provisions

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2021 Measures No. 12) Declaration 2021I, issued by Anne Ruston, the Minister for Families and Social Services, amends the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Declaration 2018. The instrument is made under the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 and includes amendments to the list of institutions covered by the scheme. The amendments in Schedule 1, items 1, 2, and 5, will come into effect immediately after the commencement of the provisions in items 1 to 4 of the table, while the remaining provisions will commence on the day after the instrument is registered. The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Firstly, it requires the Minister for Families and Social Services to make a declaration to amend the list of institutions covered by the National Redress Scheme. The declaration must specify the institutions to be added or omitted from the list. Secondly, the Act mandates the inclusion of certain institutions and the exclusion of others from the scheme. The specific institutions and their details are outlined in the amendments provided in the Schedule 1. The changes involve adding new institutions and removing some from the list, ensuring that the scheme's coverage remains up-to-date and comprehensive. Breaching the provisions of the Act may result in legal consequences. While the specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the provided text, it is reasonable to infer that failure to adhere to the Act's requirements could lead to legal action. This could include fines, penalties, or other sanctions as prescribed by law. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any relevant case law or statutory provisions. It is essential for parties governed by the Act to ensure strict compliance to avoid any potential legal repercussions.