Ministers’ Redress Scheme Governance Board Communique

Scheme update

The Board noted increased application processing and decision-making. These improvements have been attributed to streamlined application pathways, strengthened triage processes, recruitment of additional Independent Decision Makers and targeted work to reduce application backlogs. The Scheme has achieved its highest monthly finalisation rate to date, with more than 1,000 applications resolved in both March and May 2026. The Scheme has now exceeded its annual target of 8,400 applications by processing 9,358 applications. This means reduced waiting times and greater certainty for survivors. Since the Scheme started, more than 27,000 applicants have received a redress outcome, with over $2.1 billion in redress payments so far made to survivors.

Maintaining institution participation

The Board discussed the Christian Brothers Oceania Province’s obligations under the National Redress Scheme and subsequent pending arrangements with Edmund Rice Education Australia. This case draws attention to issues of institutional accountability and the unacceptable impacts on survivors. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to survivors’ access to redress and support through the National Redress Scheme and noted that continued participation by institutions is critical to ensuring survivors can access redress and support.

Eighth Anniversary Review

The Board received an update on the Eighth Anniversary Review of the Scheme being led by Mr Michael Manthorpe PSM, which commenced on 1 July 2026. Ministers noted survivor voices and experiences are central to the Review. The Review will identify lessons from the Scheme, inform future approaches to supporting people affected by institutional child sexual abuse and consider what ongoing supports may be required for survivors following the Scheme’s closure.

Scheme closure 

The Board discussed the approach to processing applications before Scheme closure and emphasised the importance of clear and accessible communication with survivors. Ministers present re-affirmed the application closure date of 30 June 2027, and a commitment to processing all applications received under the Redress Scheme. Ministers also discussed in what exceptional circumstances applications might be accepted after the closure date.  The jurisdictions will continue to confer on this matter.

The Board discussed the importance of cooperation across jurisdictions, participating institutions and Redress Support Services to ensure survivors continue to receive appropriate support as the Scheme approaches closure.

To support this, The Board acknowledged further communication efforts and actions to engage potential applicants prior to the Scheme’s closure date.

The Board acknowledged the approaching application closure date may cause concern for survivors and reinforced the importance of timely, clear and trauma-informed communication. The importance of ensuring all survivors can access information and support, including First Nations survivors, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who are incarcerated was reinforced.

Future meetings

As the Scheme approaches its final stages, it was confirmed that the Board will continue to meet regularly to support the transition to effective closure of the Scheme. It was agreed the next meeting would be held in conjunction with the Standing Council of Attorneys-General in November 2026.