National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2025 Measures No. 3) Declaration 2025

Overview

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2025 Measures No. 3) Declaration 2025I, issued by Michael Lye, the Secretary of the Department of Social Services, amends the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018. This amendment was enacted to enhance the existing redress scheme, focusing on improving the processes and provisions to better support victims of institutional child sexual abuse. The instrument, which came into effect the day after its registration, was made under the authority of subsections 115(2), 134(1), and 137(1) of the original Act. The policy objective is to ensure the scheme remains effective and responsive to the needs of victims, including the addition of new entities such as Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated and Moana Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated to the list of institutions covered under the scheme.

Scope and Application

This instrument, the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2025 Measures No. 3) Declaration 2025, amends the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Declaration 2018, specifically impacting the entities Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated and Moana Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated. It applies to the Commonwealth of Australia and is made under the authority of the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018. The instrument comes into effect the day after it is registered, with provisions specified in the accompanying table. The amendments ensure that these two surf life saving clubs are now subject to the scheme, which provides a means of redress for victims of institutional child sexual abuse. The geographic reach of this Act is national, applying across all states and territories of Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within this declaration, and any further application or restrictions are to be detailed in subordinate instruments or subsequent legislation.

Key Provisions

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2025 Measures No. 3) Declaration 2025I amends the existing National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Declaration 2018. The key amendments introduced by this declaration are outlined in Schedule 1, which includes the addition of two new entities, Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated and Moana Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated, to the list of institutions covered by the Scheme. This addition ensures that these institutions are now subject to the same obligations and requirements as other participating entities under the National Redress Scheme. The commencement of these provisions is effective from the day after the instrument is registered. The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2025 Measures No. 3) Declaration 2025I imposes certain obligations and requirements on the added institutions, including Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated and Moana Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated. These institutions must now comply with the requirements and processes established under the National Redress Scheme, which include the reporting of historical cases of institutional child sexual abuse, participating in the assessment and redress processes, and providing necessary documentation and information as required by the Scheme. Compliance with these obligations is essential for the institutions to participate in the Scheme and to facilitate the redress process for affected individuals. Breach of the obligations and requirements imposed by the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2025 Measures No. 3) Declaration 2025I can result in civil and criminal consequences. While the specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the instrument, general provisions under the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 may apply. These can include fines and other penalties for failure to report or comply with the Scheme’s requirements. The exact penalties depend on the nature and severity of the breach, and the courts have the discretion to determine appropriate sanctions based on the circumstances of each case. The inclusion of these institutions under the Scheme underscores the importance of adhering to its provisions to ensure proper redress for victims of institutional child sexual abuse.