Hostels ex gratia scheme closes

• Scheme on target to close on December 31, 2013

• All ex gratia payments made to 90 eligible applicants

• Applicants tell of experiences for first time

The Country High School Hostels Ex Gratia Scheme, which officially closes on December 31, 2013, has provided payments to 90 former hostel residents who suffered abuse.

Community Services Minister Tony Simpson said the 90 eligible applicants had received payments of up to $45,000, totalling more than $3.2million.

"When dealing with applications, it became clear that the payments were not the primary motivation.  The ability for applicants to tell their stories, some for the very first time, and be believed, has provided some healing," Mr Simpson said.

The scheme was announced by the Premier in response to an inquiry report entitled 'St Andrew's Hostel Katanning - how the system and society failed our children'.

It was set up to provide payments to eligible applicants who suffered abuse whilst boarding at a hostel operating under the auspices of the Country High School Hostels Authority between 1960 and 2006.

People who were subjected to abuse as a boarder of a country high school hostel were encouraged to apply for an ex gratia payment.  A total of 105 applications were received.

The Minister said the scheme, now closed, confirmed the Government's commitment to take some steps towards righting the wrongs of the past and, along with the special inquiry report recommendations, to ensure the safety of all Western Australian children in government institutions.

        Fact File

• 105 Applications received

• 90 eligible for ex gratia payments offers totally just over $3.2million

Minister's office - 6552 6600