The Parliamentary inquiry into the implementation of the National Redress Scheme is set to hear from stakeholders and survivors of child sexual abuse in institutions in Newcastle on March 31.
Newcastle MP and Deputy Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Committee Sharon Claydon encouraged people of the Hunter to have their say.
"Labor re-established this inquiry so we could get to hear firsthand the experience of survivors seeking redress," she said.
"This will give us the best chance of identifying problems to inform the upcoming two-year review of the Scheme which is required by law.
"I strongly encourage people with experience of the National Redress Scheme to register their interest in taking part."
Ms Claydon said survivors in the Newcastle-Hunter region could provide important insights into how the scheme could be improved.
"Shocking cases of abuse in our region were a key catalyst for the establishment of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse," she said.
"I know there are many people who have a valuable contribution to make to this inquiry."
Ms Claydon said Labor had "grave concerns" about the way the scheme was progressing.
"Despite the fact the scheme has been operating for more than 18 months, only 975 payments have been made from almost 6,000 applications. This is unacceptable," Ms Claydon said.
"I'm also very worried that the Government still has no plan to deal with the organisations that don't sign up to the scheme by the deadline of 30 June 2020."
Those interested in participating can contact the committee secretariat on 6277 4549 or at redress@aph.gov.au to register their interest.
For more information about the inquiry, visit the Parliament of Australia website
The Committee is scheduled to table its final report and recommendations in May 2020, ahead of the required formal review of the scheme later this year.
