National Redress Scheme: What Survivors Need to Know in September 2026

The National Redress Scheme has released its September 2026 update. With the Scheme approaching its closing date, there are several important things for survivors to be aware of.

Applications close on 30 June 2027

The National Redress Scheme will accept applications until 30 June 2027.

If you are considering applying, there is still time to do so, but it is important not to leave the application until the last minute. The Scheme provides information and support to help survivors understand their eligibility and complete an application.

Free support is also available if you would like help with the application process.

Already received a redress offer?

If you have received an offer and accepted Counselling and Psychological Care, you can begin arranging your counselling.

The Scheme specifically encourages survivors who have accepted this component to connect with a counselling provider and begin making these arrangements. You can choose a counselling service from the providers available in your state or territory.

MEND provides specialist counselling for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and can support clients who have received an outcome through the National Redress Scheme.

Your Direct Personal Response is your choice

If you have accepted a Direct Personal Response (DPR) as part of your redress offer, the process is survivor-led.

You decide whether to participate and what you would like the response to involve. The process does not begin until you or your support person contacts the institution listed in your redress offer.

A Direct Personal Response may involve a written apology, meeting with the institution, a particular action or gesture, or another response that is meaningful and safe for you.

If you are considering a DPR, the Scheme recommends allowing yourself time to think about what you want and to access support before, during and after the process.

Waiting for an outcome can take time

The Scheme has acknowledged that many survivors are experiencing delays while their applications are in the information gathering stage.

During this stage, information is requested from the institution or institutions named in the application. This can involve searching historical records and archives, particularly where events occurred many years ago.

Delays can also occur where an institution has changed its name, changed ownership, no longer exists, or where another organisation needs to be contacted for relevant information.

The Scheme has advised that a lack of visible movement on an application does not necessarily mean that nothing is happening. Work may be continuing behind the scenes while information is gathered for an Independent Decision Maker.

There are still many applications being processed

As at 31 August 2026, the Scheme had received 85,969 applications.

Of these, 48,854 applications had not yet had an outcome advised. The Scheme reported that 17,769 applications were in the information gathering stage and 7,231 were with an Independent Decision Maker for determination.

This provides some context for survivors who are currently waiting for their outcome.

You don't have to navigate the process alone

The National Redress Scheme provides access to free support services for people considering applying or already going through the redress process.

Support can include help understanding the Scheme, completing an application, advocacy and connecting with other services. Survivors can also contact the National Redress Scheme directly on 1800 737 377, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

If you have received a counselling outcome

Counselling can be an important part of the support available through your redress outcome.

You do not have to wait until you are ready to talk about everything that happened. Counselling can begin with establishing safety, building trust and understanding what support you need now.

MEND provides specialist trauma counselling for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including survivors of institutional and historical abuse.

If you have received an outcome through the National Redress Scheme and would like to discuss counselling, you can contact MEND to talk through your options.