The Albanese Government will prevent convicted child sexual abusers from hiding their assets in super to avoid paying compensation to their victims.
Treasury has today released a discussion paper for consultation that outlines two complementary proposals that would provide for the release of an offender’s superannuation for the purposes of satisfying unpaid compensation orders. These proposals will close a loophole that is causing further harm to victims by denying them court‑awarded compensation.
Child abuse survivors and their advocates have long campaigned for these changes.
The government will act quickly to close this loophole.
Under the proposals, certain super contributions made by an offender in the leadup to criminal proceedings would be made available to the victim for the purposes of paying compensation.
Courts would also be entitled to access Australian Taxation Office data about offenders’ superannuation accounts, giving transparency to victims of their assets.
Together, these changes will leave offenders no place to hide their assets and no way of avoiding compensating their victims.
We will now consult on these proposals with a view to introducing legislation into the parliament as a matter of priority. Consultation closes on Thursday 16 February, 2023.
The consultation paper can be found on the Treasury website.
Child sexual abuse is a traumatic issue. Engaging in this consultation process and reading this discussion paper may bring up strong feelings for some people. Please take care of yourself as you read this discussion paper and ask for help if you need it. You might want to talk to your family and friends, counsellor, doctor, or Aboriginal Medical Service. The following services can also give you help and support.
Crisis and suicide prevention
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero: 000
Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Child sexual abuse support and advice
Blue Knot Foundation: 1300 657 380 or blueknot.org.au
Bravehearts: 1800 272 831 or bravehearts.org.au
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN): 1800 008 774 or clan.org.au
National Redress Scheme: 1800 737 377 or nationalredress.gov.au
Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN): 1800 472 676 or samsn.org.au
Family, domestic and sexual violence support
National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service – 1800RESPECT:
1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au
Mental health support and advice
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
QLife: 1800 184 527 or qlife.org.au
You can find links and contact details for these organisations and for national, state and territory government services on the National Office for Child Safety website: childsafety.gov.au