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.

4.8 Effect of accepting an offer of redress

Summary

By accepting an offer of redress, an applicant releases the responsible participating institution/s and their officials (other than the abuser/s) from civil liability for instances of sexual abuse and related non-sexual abuse of the person that is within the scope of the Scheme. This means that the person agrees to not bring or continue any civil claims against the responsible participating institution/s in relation to any abuse within the scope of the Scheme.

If a responsible participating institution/s is a member of a participating group, the person will be releasing the other associated institutions and officials within that group from any civil liability for instances of sexual abuse and related non-sexual abuse of the person that is within the scope of the Scheme.

Accepting an offer of redress also has the effect of preventing a responsible participating institution from being liable to contribute to damages that are payable to the person in civil proceedings (where the contribution is to another institution or person).

In accepting the offer of redress, a person will also consent the participating institution/s or official/s to disclose the person's acceptance of redress offer in the event that a civil claim is made.

The Scheme must provide a copy of the person's acceptance of offer to each responsible participating institution for their records once received.

Act reference: NRSAct section 43 Effect of acceptance on civil liability, section 44 Notice to participating institutions that the offer is accepted

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