National Redress Scheme Eighth Anniversary Review
Submission Date: 26 August 2026
The Law Council of Australia considers that the National Redress Scheme Eighth Anniversary Review (the Review) is an opportunity to consider whether the Redress Scheme remains practically accessible to survivors and capable of delivering fair, timely and trauma-informed outcomes before its current statutory end date.
For reasons set out in this submission, the Law Council supports extending the Redress Scheme beyond its current sunset date, with consideration given to removing an end date altogether. This is necessary in light of the significant number of outstanding applications, ongoing processing delays, and the risk that survivors—including those who only recently became aware of the Redress Scheme or who require additional time and support—may otherwise be denied a meaningful opportunity to seek redress.
Any extension should be accompanied by additional administrative resourcing to improve processing times, communication with applicants and legal advisers, and the consistency and diligence of decision-making. The Review should consider available data on applications deemed ineligible, with a view to identifying any trends in reasoning and ensuring that unsuccessful applicants are informed of the reasons for decisions, available review mechanisms and alternative pathways to redress.
The Law Council further recommends continued investment in culturally safe, trauma-informed and community-based legal and support services, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survivors, survivors in custody, survivors with low English literacy, and those in regional and remote communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisations should be adequately resourced to promote awareness of the Redress Scheme and support survivors to engage with it.
Finally, the Redress Scheme’s approach to advice and assistance should be strengthened to address the risk of exploitation by unregulated advocacy or assistance providers. Survivors should have access to independent, appropriately regulated and properly resourced advice and support so that they can make informed decisions about applying for redress, accepting a redress outcome, or pursuing other legal options.
Last Updated on 28/08/2026