Netball Australia has become the largest national sporting organisation to announce its intent to join the National Redress Scheme, ensuring survivors of institutional child sexual abuse under Netball Australia’s jurisdiction are acknowledged, recognised and supported.
The National Redress Scheme was created in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which estimated that 60,000 people experienced institutional child sexual abuse in Australia. The scheme provides acknowledgement and support to people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
Netball Australia Chair Paolina Hunt said the organisation has taken a strong and important stance.
“The decision to register a letter of intent with the Scheme is a clear statement regarding Netball Australia’s position on the issue of child sexual abuse. That abuse is abhorrent, and Netball Australia acknowledges the catastrophic impact abuse has on the lives of those abused, and their families and friends,” she said.
Families and Social Services Minister Anne Ruston has welcomed Netball Australia’s announcement of intent to join the Scheme.
“This demonstrates a strong commitment from one of the country’s largest national sporting organisations to child safety. It is important that all organisations with a history of working with children join the Scheme.”
Netball Australia Deputy CEO Nadine Cohen said Netball Australia is proud to participate in the Scheme.
“Netball Australia is strongly aligned to the values and expectations of the National Redress Scheme and we stand ready to work closely with the scheme to support any survivors that come forward,” she said.
“Netball Australia will invest the necessary resources to ensure effective consideration of involvement in the Scheme and this matter will remain a priority for Netball Australia.”
Netball Australia has committed to the National Redress Scheme as a lone institution with no known applications.
The National Redress Scheme, which started on 1 July 2018 and will run for 10 years, can provide survivors with access to counselling, a redress payment and/or a direct personal response from the institution (e.g. an apology) for survivors who want it.
Free and confidential redress support services are available for anyone applying, or considering applying, for redress. These services can help explain the scheme and who can apply. For more information, visit www.nationalredress.gov.au or call 1800 737 377.
