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KING WELCOMES PUBLIC REDRESS HEARINGS IN BALLARAT
The Joint Select Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme has announced it will be hosting a hearing in Ballarat on 20 March 2020.
Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King had previously called for an additional hearing to be held in Ballarat.
“I am glad to see that the Joint Select Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme has been responsive to the wishes of our community and has announced it will hold a hearing in Ballarat,” Ms King said.
“Survivors in Ballarat know that the Redress Scheme is not perfect, and now they will have the opportunity to make their voices heard.
“These hearings will play an important role in reforming and improving the Redress Scheme going forward. It is important that everyone who wants the opportunity to give their input has that opportunity.
“Ballarat has a strong community of survivors who have been a driving force behind the Royal Commission and the formation of the Redress Scheme, and I am glad they will have the opportunity to have their say.”
Recommendations of the Royal Commission that were not included in the Scheme include:
· Lifelong access to counselling and psychological care,
· Compulsory participation in the scheme for states and institutions, and,
· A maximum of $200,000 for redress claims, rather than the $150,000 instituted.
The announced hearing program will see the Committee visit Ballarat, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth throughout March and April.
Anyone who would like to appear at the hearing in Ballarat or elsewhere should contact the committee secretariat at redress@aph.gov.au or (02) 6277 4549 to register their interest.
03 March 2020
