National Redress Scheme Status update: Closing dates, delays and the possibility of an extension

The National Redress Scheme is currently scheduled to close to most new applications in June 2027, but ongoing delays and a parliamentary inquiry have raised questions about its future. Institutions participating in the Scheme should remain alert to the potential for extension, reform and continuing obligations.

*Disclaimer: This article discusses the National Redress Scheme and includes references to institutional child sexual abuse. Some readers may find this content distressing. 

In brief 

On 1 July 2018, the Australian Government established the National Redress Scheme (NRS) / (Scheme) to provide a pathway for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse to obtain redress, including a monetary payment, access to counselling and psychological care and a direct personal response from responsible institutions. The NRS was established in response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. 

Under the current legislative framework, the NRS is scheduled to close to most new applications on 30 June 2027 and to sunset on 30 June 2028. However, significant processing delays and an ongoing parliamentary inquiry mean institutions should remain alert to the possibility of legislative or policy change.  

Current status  

The NRS is presently scheduled to stop accepting most new applications on 30 June 2027 and to cease on 30 June 2028, being the tenth anniversary of the Scheme. The Operator may accept an application during the final year of the Scheme in exceptional circumstances.  

As at February 2026, the NRS has published that 74,174 applications had been received, and that of these about 60% (43,978 applications) are unresolved (see National Redress Scheme - Scheme Data February 2026). Those figures demonstrate the scale of the task facing the Scheme as the current application deadline approaches.  

Will the lifetime of the NRS be extended?  

Whether the NRS will be extended remains a live policy question. The Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the NRS is currently conducting its Inquiry into the Continuing Operation of the National Redress Scheme (Inquiry). The terms of reference include consideration of the Scheme's operational timeline and the potential for that timeline to be extended. 

Submissions closed on 6 February 2026 and public hearings have since been held. Any report and subsequent Government response may affect the future operation of the Scheme and be significant for both survivors and institutions. 

Late applications in "exceptional circumstances" 

The National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 (Cth) (Act) already allows new applications in "exceptional circumstances" after the 30 June 2027 cut-off date. 

Sub-section 20(1)(e) of the Act is clear that new applications cannot be made "in the period of 12 months before the Scheme sunset day" i.e. from 1 July 2027 until the closure of the NRS on 30 June 2028.

However, sub-section 20(2) of the Act states sub-section 20(1)(e) "does not apply if the Operator determines there are exceptional circumstances justifying the application being made."  

In brief, the Act provides that in the event of "exceptional circumstances", of which no examples are provided, the Operator may permit a person to apply during the final year of the Scheme in exceptional circumstances, provided the application is made during the final year and the person has contacted the Operator before applying.  

Considerations for Institutions 

Whether the NRS ultimately concludes on its presently scheduled timetable remains to be seen. What is clear is that institutions should not assume that the approaching application deadline marks the end of their redress-related obligations. Ongoing scrutiny of the Scheme, coupled with the substantial number of unresolved applications, means that preparedness and continued vigilance remain prudent. 

Authored by Mathisha Panagoda & Lauren Flint of Colin Biggers Paisley

Click to connect

Mathisha holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Laws and was admitted to practice on 5 April 2013. In addition to his legal qualifications, Mathisha holds a Bachelor of Music (Hons)

Mathisha is known for the skilful and considered way in which he handles sensitive and complex matters for his clients ranging from claims of historic child sexual abuse to regulatory inquiries and Royal Commissions.

Mathisha has represented both plaintiff and defendant clients in unlitigated and litigated proceedings across all Australian jurisdictions, in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and across various inquiries and investigations including under the auspices of the Office of the Children's Guardian and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. 

In 2023, Mathisha was listed in the Best Lawyers in Australia in the inaugural Ones to Watch category for Insurance Law. In 2024 and 2025, Mathisha was a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards (New Partner - Big Law).

Click to connect

A senior associate in Colin Biggers & Paisley's Insurance team since 2024, Lauren's work is predominantly in the institutional risk and liability space.

She works closely with insurers, schools, faith-based institutions, residential aged care and disability service providers, community services and not-for-profit sectors on claims of bodily injury, institutional liability matters, professional indemnity and general liability.

Lauren also advises clients on strategic governance, compliance and risk management issues, particularly in relation to child safety.  Lauren has co-authored a number of publications about relevant topics in the institutional risk and liability space.

In 2024, she also attended a part-time secondment with a client, the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta. Both of these experiences have provided invaluable insight and informed Lauren's strategy representing insurers and institutions. Lauren graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Business in 2019. She was admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2020.