Inquiry into the continuing operation of the National Redress Scheme

Terms of Reference

The Committee will inquire into and report on the continuing operation of the National Redress Scheme, with a focus on transition arrangements and outstanding case management as the Scheme approaches its conclusion. The Committee will consider: - the Scheme’s operational timeline, and the potential for this timeline to be extended; - the accessibility, funding, and transition plans for support services as the Scheme concludes; - current case management issues and information requests, and the timeframe required to resolve these matters; - outstanding applications and determinations, and the processes and procedures that may need to be implemented to maximise just outcomes before the Scheme concludes; - planning for a possible increase in applications as the Scheme approaches its conclusion; - access to justice by vulnerable cohorts following changes to the Scheme access in 2024; - any other matters associated with the conclusion of the National Redress Scheme that survivors would like to make known to the Committee; and - whether the operation and administration of the Scheme by the Department of Social Services is meeting the expectations of survivors and the Scheme’s statutory objectives. In these Terms of Reference, the definition of “survivors” is intended to be open and inclusive. The term includes, but is not limited to: - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - People with disability - Care leavers - Former child migrants - Prisoners - People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds - Survivors who may be eligible but are unable to apply for redress - Survivors recently deemed ineligible for redress PO Box 6021Parliament HouseCANBERRACanberra ACT 2600Phone:02 6277 4549redress@aph.gov.au