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      The Lutheran Church is the largest Protestant church in the world, with over 70 million members. This website tells the story of Australian and New Zealand Lutherans, following Jesus Christ – where love comes to life. Whoever you are, whatever your story, you're welcome here with us.
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National Redress Scheme Website

Return to the Royal Commission page

National Redress Scheme (Australia)

On 16 June 2018 the General Church Council (GCC) resolved that the LCA will join the National Redress Scheme for people who have experienced child sexual abuse in institutional settings.

Established by the Commonwealth Government, the scheme is a direct result of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It will provide a nationally consistent means of response to abuse that occurred within churches and other institutions.

The LCA is joining state and territory governments and non-government bodies across Australia which have already ‘opted in’ to the scheme. These include the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the Salvation Army, the Uniting Church and Scouts Australia. The scheme started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years.

Read Bishop John Henderson's 'Heartland'

Read the LCA News story (18 June 2018)

National Redress Scheme Website
1. What is the National Redress Scheme? Expand

Established by the Commonwealth Government, the National Redress Scheme is a direct result of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It will provide a nationally consistent means of response to abuse that occurred within churches and other institutions.

2. What does it offer to survivors of child sexual abuse? Expand

The National Redress Scheme will provide an independent and non-adversarial way to acknowledge people who have experienced child sexual abuse in institutional settings. Each eligible survivor of abuse in an LCA setting will be able to access: psychological care and counselling; a direct personal response from the LCA; $1000 to cover legal costs; and monetary payment of up to $150,000.

It is intended as a simple and streamlined alternative to the courts, which can be difficult, expensive, time-consuming and re-traumatising for survivors.

3. Why has the LCA opted in? Expand

The LCA believes that children are to be cared for and protected from all physical, psychological, sexual and spiritual abuse while engaging in all church activities. In joining the National Redress Scheme, the LCA is acknowledging children have experienced sexual abuse in our church and is making a commitment to recognise and alleviate the impact of the abuse they have suffered. The LCA considers that a major advantage of the scheme is it provides a credible and objective assessment framework.

4. Who will determine if a person is eligible for redress? Expand

The Department of Social Services will appoint independent decision-makers to assess and make determinations on applications to the scheme.

5. What is the basis on which a person is assessed as being eligible to receive a payment? Expand

When there is an application, the scheme will request relevant records from the LCA. The scheme will be evidence-based and need substantiation. Payments will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and awarded to eligible people according to the severity and impact of the abuse experienced.

6. What is the maximum payment a person can receive? Expand

The maximum payment is $150,000.

7. Does the LCA have any right of appeal? Expand

No, only the survivor can appeal decisions.

8. If a person has already received damages as a result of legal proceedings, can they also apply to the Redress Scheme? Expand

If a survivor goes to the courts first and receives damages, he or she cannot apply to the scheme. However, if the court rules against him or her, the survivor is still able to apply to the scheme due to the lower evidential threshold.

If a survivor has previously reached an out-of-court settlement with the LCA, they can still apply to the Redress Scheme. If the scheme determines the settlement amount was inadequate, the LCA will be required to pay the difference between the amount determined by the scheme and what was paid originally.

9. How will the LCA fund the payments? Expand

A special ‘redress scheme’ premium has been added and is included in the annual LCA Insurance premium sent to all entities who hold LCA Insurance. This amount of the special premium will be reviewed annually, based on claims experience and capacity to pay (ie taking account of movement in general insurance premiums).

10. For how long will the scheme run? Expand

The scheme will run for 10 years, starting 1 July 2018.

11. Can the LCA opt out? Expand

Yes. In order to join the scheme, the LCA will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding. This is not a legally enforceable undertaking and it is possible to opt out of the scheme at any stage, with no penalty.

Royal Commission: Child Sexual Abuse

LCA Working Group
admin@lca.org.au

08 8267 7300

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