Tracey Beatrice The New Zealand Government has confirmed it will not establish a new, independent compensation scheme for survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care, despite previous signals and recommendations from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. Instead, the Government will invest $774 million to improve the existing redress system and strengthen protections for vulnerable children and adults.
Key Details of the Announcement
- No New Scheme: The Government will not create a new, survivor-led redress entity as recommended by the Royal Commission and advocated by survivor groups.
- Increased Payments: Average redress payments for new claims will rise from about $19,000 to $30,000. Survivors who have already settled claims will receive a 50 percent top-up to align with the new average.
- Focus on State Care: The improved scheme applies only to those abused in state care. Survivors abused in faith-based institutions or by non-state providers are not included at this stage, with further advice on these claims expected later in the year.
- System Improvements: The Government will increase the capacity to process claims, aiming to reduce wait times and streamline the process with a single entry point and a common payments framework. An independent review process will be available for those unhappy with their offer.
Survivor and Advocate Response
Survivors and advocates have described the changes as a broken promise and a “kick in the guts.” Many feel betrayed after earlier indications from the Prime Minister that a new, independent redress system would be established. Survivor groups argue that the Government’s plan falls short of the Royal Commission’s recommendations, which called for a survivor-led, independent process covering all forms of institutional abuse.
Keith Wiffin, a survivor and member of the Redress Design Group, said the Government’s announcement bears little resemblance to the group’s recommendations and fails to deliver genuine justice for those affected.
Additional Investments
The $774 million package also includes funding to:
- Build a safer and more capable care workforce.
- Improve mental health inpatient units.
- Prevent children and vulnerable adults from entering care.
- Strengthen oversight and auditing of care providers.
- Provide better support services for survivors throughout the redress process.
What’s Next?
The Government has indicated it will seek further advice on redress for survivors of abuse in faith-based and non-state care later this year. A ministerial advisory group of survivors and advocates will be established to provide ongoing input as changes are implemented.
Summary
While the Government is boosting funding and improving aspects of the current redress system for state care abuse survivors, it has stopped short of creating the new, independent scheme many had hoped for. Survivors and advocates have vowed to continue campaigning for a comprehensive, survivor-led approach that fully addresses the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
