Child sex abuse redress applications update

In the first year after being accepted into the Australian National Redress Scheme for people who have experienced child sexual abuse in institutional settings, 22 applications have been made to the scheme for redress by the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA).

The LCA/NZ’s Professional Standards Manager Tim Ross said of the first 22 applications made, 12 offers of redress had been made to applicants by 16 February, with a total of $859,000 in monetary payments being offered. Three applications for redress by the LCA have so far been declined by the scheme but could yet be appealed, while seven applications were still under consideration as of 16 February. Mr Ross said applications could be made to the scheme for redress up until 30 June 2027.

Executive Officer of the Church Peter Schirmer said the LCA’s participation in the scheme was part of its commitment to support those who have experienced child sexual abuse in our church. ‘Protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities is of paramount importance as we endeavour to follow Christ’s example of love, care and compassion’, Mr Schirmer said.

Meanwhile, the LCA/NZ’s Child Protection Project Team draft LCA Child Safety Standards for Congregations will be moving to a consultation phase from early this year.