Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Kakoschke-Moore for her question, which I understand is her first question in this place. I also acknowledge that the senator provided me with some notice of the question, and I have sought advice from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to enable me to provide a little more detail.

I understand that Justice McClellan certainly raised a number of issues relating to DVA during a public hearing by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in June of this year. These issues are very complex and they relate to liability and evidentiary requirements under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. I am advised that DVA have been considering these issues and that they are also examining options to address the issues raised by Justice McClellan to implement improvements for survivors of child sexual abuse. It is expected that any policy changes to be made in response to these issues will enable and assist survivors of child sexual abuse in the pursuit of their claims for compensation, and I understand that examination is actively underway. I am also advised that DVA will revisit rejected claims for compensation arising out of child sexual abuse where those can be identified.