The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Bill 2021 has been introduced to the Senate.
The Bill amends the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 (Cth) and makes provision for a $10,000 advance payment for priority applicants who are elderly or terminally ill. Under the new s 56B, if a person has made an application for redress under the National Redress Scheme, the Operator of the scheme may make an advance payment for the person in the amount of $10,000 if one or more of the following apply:
• the person is aged 70 or over.
• the person is aged 55 or over and is an Aboriginal 4 person or Torres Strait Islander.
• the person is terminally ill.
• there are exceptional circumstances justifying the advance payment being made.
The Bill also removes the current requirement under s 19(2)(d) of the Act that the information in the application must be verified by statutory declaration.
Source: Parliament of Australia bills and legislation update, “National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Improving Supports for At Risk Participants) Bill 2021”, accessed 26 August 2021.
See also ¶13-500 Roadmap — Abuse law in the Torts – Public liability practice area on CCH Pinpoint.
