The initiative is supported by Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) and Paralympics Australia (PA).

The AOC has already submitted documentation to join the Scheme, as has Paralympics Australia, while Commonwealth Games Australia is moving towards the commencement of the onboarding process.

Senator Ruston says she welcomes the commitment of the sports to ensure survivors who have come forward have access to the redress which they deserve.

“The AOC has shown considerable leadership among sport on this issue, working with government and member organisations to make sure sports join the Scheme in the interests of survivors,” she said.

“I would also like to acknowledge Commonwealth Games Australia and Paralympics Australia for their commitment to the Scheme,” Senator Ruston said.

The Redress Scheme Governance Board, made up of Commonwealth, state and territory ministers with responsibility for the Scheme, recently approved measures reflecting the time it can take to complete the on-boarding process and the impact on institutions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consequently, individual sports will need to declare intent to join the Scheme by commencing the on-boarding training process and making a statement of intent to join by no later than 30 June 2020.

AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll has thanked the Minister on behalf of the Olympic sports for the recognition of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and our Member Sports commitment to the intent of the Scheme and a willingness to work together to find a viable mechanism for sporting organisations to join by December 31.

“The aims of AOC and the Member Sports remain to ensure the Scheme can be configured in a way that allows the sports to participate in a sustainable manner and ensures that full and appropriate redress is available to all people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

“There has never been any doubt about the good intentions of our family of sports to assist those who have suffered sexual abuse.

“The AOC appreciates the government has recognised the unique challenges faced by many of our sports, which have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Financially they are challenged, nevertheless they are committed,“ Mr Carroll said.

PA Chief Executive Officer Lynne Anderson says Paralympic Australia has commenced the onboarding process with the intention to join the scheme.

“We appreciate that the Government has been sympathetic to the issues raised and we have been able to create the opportunity for sports to be in a position to genuinely assist those who have suffered.

"We look forward to undertaking the on-boarding process and working with Senator Ruston and the Department of Social Services to identify a suitable financial mechanism that will allow our organisation to participate in the scheme," Ms Anderson said.

CGA Chief Executive Officer Craig Phillips says by signing a statement of intent, sports are demonstrating their willingness to engage with the Scheme.

“The National Redress Scheme is an important avenue of acknowledgement and support for those who have been victims of abuse. There now exists an avenue to take this forward,” Mr Phillips concluded.

The National Redress Scheme will continue to engage with the sports to ensure they have all the relevant information to arrive at the appropriate financial and structural arrangements to participate in the scheme.