National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended the Australian Government, along with state and territory governments establish a national centre to take action against, and address the impacts of child sexual abuse on victims and survivors.

The Australian Government has committed $22.5 million over five years to establish a national centre. The Government is working closely with all states and territories to contribute matched funding.

In October 2021, the Australian Government announced the launch of the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse (National Centre) as a joint initiative of:

The National Centre is independent of government. It aims to increase understanding of the impacts of child sexual abuse by:

  • raising awareness
  • reducing stigma
  • promoting help-seeking
  • supporting best practice advocacy, support and therapeutic treatment.

The National Centre will also partner with survivors in its work, valuing their knowledge and experience. To support this, the National Centre set up 3 advisory bodies that will give a voice to the needs of:

  • adult survivors of child sexual abuse
  • survivors from First Nations communities
  • children and young people.

For more information (including consultations and recruitment opportunities), visit the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse.

National Centre Selection Process

The department undertook a national consultation process to inform the National Centre’s:

  • scope
  • functions
  • governance arrangements.

The department invited stakeholders to take part in an online public consultation. The survey received 287 responses. More than 60% were from people with lived experience of child sexual abuse. The department extends its appreciation to those who shared their ideas and experiences.

Following consultation on the design of the National Centre, the department undertook a procurement process to select the organisations to establish and deliver the National Centre.

More information

For any enquires please email enquiries@dss.gov.au

The department will provide future National Centre updates on this webpage.

Support Services

If you or someone you know is affected by child sexual abuse, some options for 24/7 support are listed below.

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