States and territories agree to fund compensation for victims of abuse in sport

A stalemate over redress payments to victims of child sexual abuse in sporting institutions has been overcome with an agreement reached between states, territories and the Federal Government.

As reported by the ABC, an earlier stalemate in which the Northern Territory Government had resisted funding the scheme has been overcome, with governments now agreeing to step in to fund the compensation owed by organisations that refuse to join the National Redress Scheme for victims of institutional sexual abuse.

At least 50 survivor applications from those abused within sporting associations that have refused to join the National Redress Scheme have been unable to progress, with a number of victims having waited almost eight years since the scheme was established in 2018.

On Wednesday, the ABC revealed all state and territory governments, except the Northern Territory, had signed up to foot the compensation bill left by organisations refusing to sign on to the National Redress Scheme.

As all jurisdictions are required to sign on for the changes to go ahead, the Northern Territory’s agreement - set to be confirmed by a cabinet vote next week - can now proceed.

12 organisations have refused to join the National Redress Scheme for victims of child sexual abuse.

The majority are sporting organisations, which, unlike religious organisations, cannot be threatened with having their charitable status revoked if they don't help compensate victim survivors.

Organisations refusing to join the scheme

• Forrest Tennis Club - ACT

• Kenja Communication - ACT, NSW and Victoria

• De La Salle Caringbah Junior Rugby League Football Club - NSW

• Darwin Cycling Club - Northern Territory

• Reby Enterprises t/a Townsville Indoor Sports/Wildcatz Indoor Sports - Queensland

• Devonport Community Church - Tasmania

• New Norfolk District Football Club - Tasmania

• Crown Coaches - Victoria

• CYMS Basketball Association - Victoria

• Knox Basketball Incorporated - Victoria

• Woodlands Golf Club - Victoria

• Christian Youth Camps - Western Australia

In a statement, the acting Northern Territory Attorney-General Gerard Maley said the government will begin taking the necessary steps to enact the change following territory cabinet approval, stating

"The NT will not stand in the way of this important issue.”

With the scheme facing a substantial backlog, the Parliamentary Inquiry into its operation last month recommended the Federal Government increase funding to the Department of Social Services and redress and legal support services to ensure all applications can be finalised on time.

In a statement to the ABC, Federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth pointed to $142 million over five years announced earlier this year for the scheme's operations and a new service to support applicants who made incomplete applications.

Minister Rishworth urged the organisations included on the "name and shame" list to reconsider their refusal to join the scheme, stating "I call on each of these institutions to do the right thing by survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, reverse their decision and join the scheme as a priority.

"Survivors have waited too long."

Currently, the scheme is scheduled to end in 2028, but the recent parliamentary review into the program recommended it be extended beyond that date to meet demand.

Image credit: Shutterstock.