Advocacy group SNAP Aotearoa is criticising the Government’s proposed Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill, warning it risks undermining the dignity and rights of survivors abused in state care.
The bill, currently before Parliament, would introduce a presumption against financial redress for serious violent or sexual offenders while also providing legal protections for state agencies when issuing apologies for abuse suffered in care.
SNAP Aotearoa says the proposed law could create a system where survivors are judged by later actions in life rather than the abuse and trauma they experienced while under state care.
The organisation argues many survivors of abuse in care have lived with lifelong trauma, poverty, addiction, mental health challenges and involvement in the justice system as a direct result of what they endured as children.
The debate comes as Aotearoa continues responding to findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, which exposed widespread abuse, neglect and systemic failures across state and faith-based institutions over decades.
The Government has previously announced a multi-million dollar redress package aimed at improving compensation and support systems for survivors of abuse in care. Measures included increased average redress payments and top-up compensation for some survivors.
However, critics say the latest bill risks weakening the spirit of that response by introducing exclusions and legal protections that could further retraumatise survivors.
Advocates warn Māori are likely to be disproportionately affected given the overrepresentation of Māori children historically placed in state care and institutions.
There are also growing calls for the Government to ensure any redress system prioritises healing, accountability and survivor dignity rather than focusing narrowly on legal liability or eligibility restrictions.
The legislation remains under parliamentary consideration as survivor groups, legal advocates and human rights organisations continue raising concerns about its long-term implications.
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