Submission to the Joint Standing Committee into the Continuing Operation of the National Redress Scheme
February 2026
PWDA provided recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee’s Inquiry into the continuing operation of the National Redress Scheme (the Scheme).
As the Scheme moves into its final stage, there is an important opportunity to make sure systems, funding and communication continue to safely support survivors with disability.
For many survivors with disability, the barriers they face are built into the system. These barriers relate to accessible information, as well as the trauma shaped by how the Scheme works in practice. Specialist disability Redress Support Services (RSS) are a key part of the Scheme. Ongoing funding for these services until the Scheme ends is critical to maintain safety, accessibility and consistent support for a highly impacted community.
Disability-affirming support is essential for all current and future applicants. Many people stay involved in the Scheme for a long time after they apply. This can include reviews, revocations and direct personal responses. Applications are currently taking two years or more to receive an outcome.
Meaning some survivors with disability will still be actively involved in the Scheme well after applications close and current RSS funding ends.
We have seen that even after receiving an outcome, survivors often need continued support. This can include seeking a review or revocation, accessing counselling, or pursuing a direct personal response. Ongoing specialist, disability-affirming support helps survivors safely navigate these complex and emotionally-demanding processes. This reduces the risk of people disengaging, being re-traumatised, or experiencing unfair outcomes.
The Scheme ends on 30 June 2028, with applications and organisational funding ending on 30 June 2027. PWDA recommend that the Australian Government develop and clearly communicate an accessible transition plan for applicants with disability, in partnership with RSS organisations and Disability Representative Organisations (DRO).
Recommendations
Phase 1: Immediate actions
- Recommendation 1: Develop a clear and accessible communication and transition framework for applicants with disability.
- Recommendation 2: Strengthen collaboration and co-development work with specialist disability RSS for this transition period.
- Recommendation 3: Ensure the safety of applicants by implementing mandatory procedural safeguards for all high-impact correspondence.
- Recommendation 4: Increase focus on helping eligible survivors in closed or restricted settings to apply and get clear, accessible information about the Scheme.
Phase 2: Transition to the Scheme end
- Recommendation 5: Focus on making sure there are clear processes to monitor the impact of the change on survivors with disability.
- Recommendation 6: Provide funding to RSS organisations ensure people have support up to the end of the Scheme.
- Recommendation 7: RSS transition funding that ensures services that are explicitly disability-affirming and trauma-informed continue to provide dedicated support.
- Recommendation 8: Avoid reliance on generalist or mainstream services as a substitute for specialist disability RSS.
Phase 3: Post-Scheme arrangements
- Recommendation 9: Consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commissions, the Australian Government commits ongoing funding for a dedicated Institutional Survivor Support and Advocacy Program for survivors with disability.
- Recommendation 10: The Australian Government works with survivors with disability and their representative organisations to co-design a performance evaluation framework that ensures the efficacy and accessibility of post-Scheme programs.