Local MP Stephen Bennett has acknowledged both sides of State Parliament for agreeing to stand together to ease the suffering of thousands of survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Commonwealth Powers) Bill passed in State Parliament this week.
Member for Burnett and Shadow Minister for Child Safety Stephen Bennett said the bill was a vital part of Queensland and Australia attempting to make amends for survivors who have suffered in silence for too long.
“In my role it is my responsibility to hold the child safety minister to account on the vital tasks of keeping children safe and supporting victims of domestic violence and institutional violence,” he said.
“As much as I was disappointed I had to stand up in parliament and call on the Minister to take action on this issue, I am now thrilled to see Queensland finally come into line with the rest of the nation.”
The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Commonwealth Powers) Bill will; enable the federal government’s National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse to operate in Queensland; introduce a framework to enable appropriate information sharing by Queensland government agencies for the purposes of the national scheme; and amend the Victims of Crime Assistance Act 2009 to provide that redress payments may not be deducted from victim assistance payments under that act.
“This bill will provide Queenslanders, and people who are living locally, with redress for abuse suffered at the hands of Queensland institutions including institutions controlled by the Queensland government itself,” Mr Bennett said.
The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act was passed by the federal government at the beginning of July, 2018.
Participation from the Queensland government in the scheme is expected to begin later this year.
The national scheme operator will assess each case with payments of up to $150, 000 available.
21-09-2018