Summary of 2023/24 funding for Crown Response Unit

Summary of Budget funding for the Crown Response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry

As part of Budget 2023, $50 million of funding was provided to ensure an effective, timely Crown Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions (the Abuse in Care Inquiry).

The funding covers the implementation of three immediate projects (Listening Service, Public Apology, and Records Improvements) responding to the Abuse in Care Inquiry and funding for the Crown Response Unit and other agencies to deliver a coordinated Crown approach.

Some of the funding is held in a contingency fund from which funding can be drawn down with the approval of the Minister of Finance and the Minister for the Public Service when required. The funding is spread across multiple financial years, with more than $30 million appropriated for 2023/24. The following tables summarise the Budget funding.

Abuse in Care – Enabling Progress on the Crown Apology and Accompanying Tangible Actions for Survivors of Abuse in Care

This initiative provides funding to enable to the Crown to immediately progress reconciliatory actions in response to the Royal Commission’s recommendation that the Crown should deliver an apology to survivors of abuse in care. Funding will contribute to a main apology event, to be presented by an appropriate Crown representative, and accompanying tangible actions to support the apology.

Abuse in Care – Enabling the Crown Response Unit’s Continued Design and Implementation Planning for a New Redress System

This initiative provides funding to enable the Crown’s continued response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry’s redress findings and recommendations, and to begin design work to develop a new redress system for survivors of abuse in care. The funding is for one year only. The Crown Response will be applying for 2024/25 funding as part of the next Budget process.

Abuse in Care – Interim Response: Continuing Agency Engagement on the Crown Response

This initiative provides funding, held in contingency, for agencies to undertake significant policy and design work to develop the future redress system to support the Crown’s response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry.

Abuse in Care – Interim Response: Continuing the Interim Listening Service for Survivors of Abuse in Care

This initiative provides funding for an interim listening service for survivors to share their experiences, thereby facilitating healing.

Abuse in Care – Interim Response: Improvements to Records Processes for Survivors of Abuse in Care

This initiative provides funding, held in contingency, to improve records processes and improve survivors’ experiences of requesting, receiving and understanding their care records.