Former boarders invited to apply for payments

Former boarders who suffered abuse at Western Australia's country high school hostels have until May 31 to lodge an application for an ex gratia payment.

  • Ex gratia scheme established as direct result of St Andrew's Hostel Special Inquiry report

  • Scheme closes Friday, May 31

Former boarders who suffered abuse at Western Australia's country high school hostels have until May 31 to lodge an application for an ex gratia payment.

Community Services Minister Tony Simpson said it was important that anyone who suffered abuse while boarding at the hostels between 1960 and 2006 took action immediately, before the six-month application period closed.

Boarders abused at any hostel run by the Country High School Hostels Authority can apply for payments of up to $45,000 under an ex gratia payment scheme announced by Premier Colin Barnett last year.

Mr Simpson said people wanting to lodge applications must contact the Department for Communities by 5pm on May 31.

"For many of these former boarders, who are now contacting the Department for Communities, it's not about the money. They have kept these secrets for years. They are now able to tell what happened in confidence and their stories are being believed," he said.

"The ex gratia payment scheme was established in response to the St Andrew's Hostel Special Inquiry report.  It provides an opportunity to acknowledge abuse that took place and, hopefully, help people with the healing process."

The Minister said the State Government was committed to addressing child abuse.

"I urge anyone who has suffered abuse in these hostels to contact the department now on1800 246 768 and let somebody know," he said.

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Minister's office - 6552 6600