National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (Partly-participating Institutions) Declaration 2025 (No. 1)

Overview

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (Partly-participating Institutions) Declaration 2025 (No. 1) was introduced to amend the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018. Enacted by Amanda Rishworth, the Minister for Social Services, this declaration was made under section 164B(2) of the Act. The primary objective of this instrument is to address the problem of institutional child sexual abuse by facilitating the participation of additional institutions in the National Redress Scheme. This instrument follows the commencement of the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (2025 Measures No.1) Declaration 2025 and includes amendments to the 2023 declaration by adding several partly-participating institutions and repealing the 2024 Amendment Declaration (No. 2) in its entirety.

Scope and Application

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (Partly-participating Institutions) Declaration 2025 (No. 1), made by the Minister for Social Services, amends the existing legislative framework concerning the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. The declaration applies to partly-participating institutions in the Scheme, with a particular focus on additional institutions from various jurisdictions that are now included in the list of participating entities. These institutions include the Ballarat City Rowing Club Inc. in Victoria, the Plumpton Community Church in New South Wales, the South Australian Water Polo Incorporated in South Australia, the Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme in Queensland, the Tunnel Ridge Ranch Association Inc. in Queensland, and the Queensland Blue Light Association Incorporated also in Queensland. The legislation operates nationally, with each participating institution bound by the terms and conditions of the amended declarations. Exclusions or exemptions are not specified in this particular instrument but may be detailed in the primary Act or subsequent subordinate instruments. This amendment effectively extends the application of the Scheme to the newly included institutions, ensuring they are subject to the obligations and processes established under the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018.

Key Provisions

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment (Partly-participating Institutions) Declaration 2025 (No. 1) amends the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Partly-participating Institutions) Declaration 2023 by inserting the word "in" after "jurisdiction" in section 5 and adding new entries to the table in Schedule 1. These additions include institutions such as the Ballarat City Rowing Club Inc in Victoria, Plumpton Community Church in New South Wales, South Australian Water Polo Incorporated in South Australia, and several Queensland-based institutions like the Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme and Tunnel Ridge Ranch Association Inc. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, the partly-participating institutions listed in the amended Schedule 1 must comply with the provisions of the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018. This includes adhering to the reporting requirements for institutional child sexual abuse, participating in the scheme's processes, and ensuring that they meet the standards set forth by the Act. Secondly, these institutions are required to maintain accurate records and documentation related to any allegations of abuse, and to cooperate fully with any investigations or inquiries conducted under the scheme. Failure to comply with the obligations and requirements set out in the Act can result in various consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the text provided, it is generally understood that breaches of such legislative provisions can lead to civil or criminal penalties. These may include fines, legal action, or other sanctions as determined by the relevant authorities. The exact penalties can vary depending on the nature and severity of the breach, and are usually outlined in the primary legislation or subsidiary regulations.