Victims Still Waiting for Redress Scheme

BY TYLER FARDELL

The Federal Government is looking to right the wrongs of the past, and provide support and compensation to victims of sexual abuse as a child.

However, many are concerned about the delays of introducing the Redress scheme, which was originally planned to be ready by this year, but now looks like to be implemented next year at the earliest.

The Redress scheme will provide some form of compensation to victims of abuse, be it monetary compensation or support through services like counselling.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon has been appointed to a parliamentary committee which will oversee the scheme, and ensure it benefits all victims of abuse.

Mrs Claydon said it was a privilege to sit on the committee and help those who need it.

"The terrible shameful cases of child sexual abuse that were uncovered in our region were a key catalyst in the formation of the Royal commission four years ago", she said.

However, Ms Claydon said there is still much work to be done before a national scheme is in place.

"We were supposed to have a redress scheme in place by July this year, but here we are on the cusp of 2018 and the legislation is yet to pass the parliament and the Government still hasn't secured the agreement of the states".

Sharon Claydon MP

HMAS Maitland Getting Freedom of Entry for First time in 11 Years

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Maitland is taking a leap into medieval times tomorrow with officers and sailors from HMAS Maitland exercising their Freedom of Entry to the city.

The tradition goes back to when armed bodies were rarely allowed into cities except in special cases when the landowning nobles would grant them entry.

Granting armed bodies entry then signified a friendship between the two and the expectation the armed group would assist in the defence of the city should the situation arise.

"For a unit to conduct a freedom of entry we have the permission from the city to march through the town with bands playing and weapons drawn. And this is a symbolic evolution that we conduct to reaffirm our commitment not only to Australia but to our namesake city," said Commanding Officer Lieutenant Jonathon Little.

The crew of the HMAS Maitland with their Commanding Officer will be met by The Local Commanding Officer of Police on the corner of Bourke and High Street tomorrow at 10am. They'll then march, under police escort, to Maitland Town Hall.

HMAS Maitland Image navy.gov.au

"The last time we were able to conduct a freedom of entry was 11 years ago. They don't come around too often but that's a testament to the government of Australia's commitment to the protection of our borders," said Lieutenant Little. 

The HMAS Maitland is 50 metres in length with a crew complement of 21 people.  

Lieutenant Litlle says the namesake ship is a small, but pivotal part of the Navy.

"We're used in a variety of missions or roles from maritime to protect our sovereign borders, fisheries, and then any other operation which the Australian Government might require is to conduct."

HMAS Maitland is currently docked in Carrington and will be having an open day on Sunday before they leave.