Child Migrants Now Eligible To Apply for the NRS

The National Redress Scheme (NRS) has been in effect now for six years and in that time, many victims of child sexual abuse have been able to receive compensation.

Almost half of the applications have been processed, and the majority of those remaining are in progress, whether they are being actively actioned or awaiting additional information from the claimant.

While nothing can undo their experiences as children, the NRS provides some level of justice to ensure someone is held accountable for the abuse that occurred.

New Claimants Changes

The latest news from the Royal Commission into sexual abuse is that the NRS is expanding its remit. It was once available to only permanent residents or citizens of Australia, and now the door has been opened for child migrants from Malta and the United Kingdom.

The Honourable Amanda Rishworth, the Minister for Social Services, introduced the amendments to the NRS bill in November of 2023. The key changes included removing the restrictions that presented an obstacle to incarcerated survivors from filling an NRS claim; reassessment of an application if an institution joins the scheme; limiting circumstances that lead to special assessments for applications, and allowing applicants to include supporting information when looking to review a decision.

Among the changes that took effect from the end of November 2023, was the clause to allow former child migrants from Malta and the United Kingdom to apply to the NRS. This includes former child migrants who are not permanent residents of Australia or citizens.

To be eligible under this new allowance, you must have been sent to Australia prior to 1984 without a parent or guardian as a ward of the state.

You can find additional information about the rule changes on the government NRS website. The Child Migrants Trust can also provide you with a network of specialist social workers.

What is the National Redress Scheme (NRS)?

The NRS was created following the Royal Commission’s investigation into historical child sexual. The commission uncovered a history of sexual abuse at the hands of the people in trusted institutions, from churches to government bodies and beyond.

While nothing can remove the trauma of the abuse so many children suffered, the scheme can provide some form of monetary compensation to help victims find healing and hope.

In addition to monetary settlements, you can receive an apology from the institution(s) at fault, and the support you need to move forward with your life.

Participating Institutions

The government has encouraged any institution with a history of dealing with children to sign up for the NRS. As of this moment, all government institutions have done so and over 500 non-government institutions have also applied to participate in the scheme. Participants include various Anglican Churches, various Catholic Churches and orders, independent churches, scout groups, and schools.

There are still a handful of named institutions who have not joined the scheme, nor have they signalled their intent to do so.

You can search the register by name to see if the institution responsible for your abuse has registered their participation.

How To Apply

There is an online form to complete to submit your child sexual abuse claim with the NRS compensation scheme.

There are also paper applications if that is your preferred method.

A lawyer can help you complete whatever claims application you choose to work with.

Why You Should Seek Legal Advice First

While you don’t technically require a lawyer to apply for the NRS, it’s best to consult with one before you take any steps. Not only will an experienced legal professional assist you in compiling the relevant documentation and evidence to support your claim, but they can advise you on how best to proceed and inform you of your rights.

If you already applied and you have received an offer, we can advise you on the next steps if you believe the offer is too low.

Additionally, they can provide you with advice on appeals and what refusing an offer might mean for future action. Once you refuse an offer, you lose your ability to reapply so it’s important you have all of the relevant information at hand before you finalise any decisions that could put your claim at risk. Likewise, if you accept an offer of redress, it limits your other legal options.

How AJB Stevens Can Help

As experienced historical sexual abuse lawyers, AJB Stevens can help you fight your childhood sexual abuse claims.

If you need advice from a team of reputable sexual abuse lawyers in Sydney we’re happy to sit with you for a claim consultation to discuss the circumstances around your sexual abuse claims. We can determine the best next steps, whether it’s pursuing a claim with the sexual abuse compensation scheme or going down the civil route.