About the Redress Scheme
Downloads
Application guidelines
The Redress Scheme completes the Queensland Government's response to the recommendations of the Forde Inquiry into the Abuse of Children in Queensland institutions.
Under the scheme, eligible applicants receive an ex gratia payment, ranging from $7,000 up to $40,000, to acknowledge the impact of the past and help them move forward with their lives.
The government acknowledges that while neglect and abuse was found to have occurred in some institutions covered by the inquiry, this was not necessarily the case with all institutions. The government also acknowledges that people had very different experiences in institutions and not all were negative.
Applications closed on 30 September 2008. Former residents who did not wish to participate in the Redress Scheme are free to choose instead to pursue their legal rights.
- Level 1 payments
- Level 2 payments
- How does a payment affect taxable income or other government benefits?
Level 1 payments
Applications for Level 1 payments of $7,000 opened on 1 October 2007 and closed on 30 September 2008. To date more than 6,800 Level 1 payments have been made with some still to be finalised.
If you or someone you know has not responded to the Level 1 payment offer, it is critical that this is done as soon as possible. No response may be considered as a rejection of the offer, and an intention to exit the scheme.
Level 2 payments
Applicants eligible for a Level 1 payment also had the option to pursue a Level 2 payment of up to $33,000, if they believe they have suffered more serious abuse or neglect. (This payment is in addition to the Level 1 payment of $7,000.)
Level 2 applications were assessed on a case-by-case basis by a panel of experts. Payment amounts will be allocated on the basis of the assessed Level of harm suffered by the applicants. Not all applicants who are eligible for a Level 1 payment will be eligible to receive a Level 2 payment.
Only those applications assessed as the most severe will receive the maximum of $33,000. The maximum total payment available to any eligible individual is $40,000 (inclusive of Level 1 and 2 payments). Other payment amounts will vary depending on the Level of harm suffered, the number of eligible applications, and the amount of funds remaining for distribution. Payment amounts are not negotiable.
Letters of advice regarding the decision relating to Level 2 applications are currently being sent to all Level 2 applicants. To ensure this letter is sent to the correct address, applicants must advise Redress Services immediately of any change of address.
Payments to eligible applicants will commence as responses to advice are received in Redress Services. Priority will be given to paying applicants aged over 70 years or people who have a life-threatening illness.
Access to independent financial advice (to a set fee) will be available on request to applicants who receive a payment offer.
Level 1 payment deferred
Applicants who deferred their Level 1 payment will be re-offered their Level 1 payment and if approved for a Level 2 payment will be offered a combined Level 1 and Level 2 payment. Acceptance of this payment will be dependent on the applicant signing a Deed of Release under advisement from a legal practitioner.
A copy of the deed of release and information about how to access legal advice will be provided within the letter of advice. This includes a list provided by the Queensland Law Society of legal representatives who will accept the set fee. Applicants may choose a legal representative from this list. To search for a legal representative who specialises in Queensland personal injury law applicants can visit the Queensland Law Society website at www.qls.com.au.
Financial assistance of up to $550 (including GST) will be provided, once only, for legal advice on the deed of release. This fee will be paid directly to the legal representative upon receipt of an invoice and signed deed of release. This payment will not be deducted from an applicant's ex gratia payment.
Level 1 payment received
Applicants who have accepted a Level 1 payment and are approved for a Level 2 payment are not required to sign another Deed of Release in order to receive this additional payment. The scheme will not pay for any additional conferences with a legal practitioner for the purpose of legal advice in relation to any aspect of your Redress application.
Applicants will be requested to advise their preferred method of payment and confirm bank account details.
How does a payment affect taxable income or other government benefits?
Both the Level 1 and Level 2 ex gratia lump sum payments:
- are not taxable
- are not considered as income for the purposes of rent assessment by the Department of Housing, Queensland
- do not affect any Centrelink pension
- do not affect Family Tax benefit payments as the Australian Tax Office (ATO) has ruled that Redress Scheme payments
- are not considered to be income and do not need to be included in a tax return; and are not counted as income for income support payments made by Centrelink.
Please note, however, if the payment is invested and earns interest, the interest will be classified as income. It is an applicant's responsibility to advise Centrelink and the Australian Taxation Office of changes to their financial circumstances.
Last reviewed: 25 August 2009