National Redress Scheme

86 The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (25 October 2018). Can the Attorney-General advise:

1. Why was it necessary to allocate the funding for the National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse against the 2017-18 budget?

2. Did any abuse survivor receive a payment in 2017-18?

3. What is the current balance of the Victims of Crime Fund?

4. Once the funding for the National Redress Scheme has been removed, what balance is left?

5. How much will be raised by the Victims of Crime levy this financial year?

6. How much is paid out each year, not including the funding for the National Redress Scheme?

7. Is using the Victims of Crime Fund for the National Redress Scheme an appropriate use of the fund under the relevant legislation and/or guidelines?

8. Can the Attorney-General confirm that there does not need to be a perpetrator or criminal who has a conviction recorded against them for a victim to be paid?

9. What legal advice has the Attorney-General sought and received about this use of funds?

10. What is happening to the interest accruing on the funding set aside for the National Redress Scheme?

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer): The Attorney-General has provided the following advice:

Soon after forming government the Premier, the Hon Steven Marshall MP, made a commitment to victims and survivors of institutional and child sexual abuse to opt in to the National Redress Scheme. In order to ensure funding was allocated for the full ten-year life of the scheme, a decision to quarantine and lock away funds safely within SAicorp was made.

Actions are currently being taken to make the scheme fully operational by early 2019. Until this time, no survivors are able to receive a payment under this scheme, however are still able to access ex gratia payments granted by the Attorney-General.

These details, and many others, have been explicitly detailed in the numerous briefings provided to the member and other members of the opposition during the course of debate on the National Redress Scheme Bill.

As at the end of June 2018, the balance of the VOC Fund was $152.1 million.

For 2018-19, budgeted revenue for the Victims of Crime levy is $43.2 million. For 2018-19, budgeted expenditure from the Victims of Crime Fund is $31 million.

Interest will continue to accrue whilst the funding is held with SAicorp.