The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.D.30 Direct personal response

Definition

For the purposes of the National Redress Scheme, a direct personal response is one of the 3 components that a person can choose to accept if they are offered redress. The person can accept a direct personal response from all, some or only one of the institution/s found responsible for their abuse.

A direct personal response comprises one or more of the following:

  • an apology or statement of acknowledgement or regret
  • an acknowledgement of the impact of the abuse on the person
  • an assurance as to the steps the institution has taken or will take to prevent abuse occurring again, or
  • an opportunity for the person to meet with a senior official of the institution.

The participating institution/s must take reasonable steps to give the person a direct personal response when the person contacts the institution that they are ready to receive this component of redress from.

Act reference: NRSAct section 54 Direct personal response from responsible institutions …

Policy reference: Redress Guide 5.3 Direct personal response

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