Abuse in Care redress bill passed by Parliament

The Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill passed its final reading on June 25. It provides for payments to those who suffered abuse in state care, with a redress officer appointed to determine who is eligible.

People convicted for serious violent or sexual offences would be able to apply, but by default be presumed ineligible. Other eligibility criteria will be set out by the redress agency.

The New Zealand Herald reported officials expect up to 80 claims a year, but the funding may run out if demand is higher, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis accepting no bids for additional money for the Crown Response Fund as part of Budget 2026.

The final vote on the Bill in Parliament passed with a vocal majority, with Assistant Speaker Maureen Pugh turning down a request for a party vote. When Ms Pugh called for agreement on the Bill, a chorus of “aye” rang out, but when she asked for “noes” there was relative silence.

MPs then called for a party vote, but she responded, “I’ve called the vote”.

Green MP Steve Abel said the party was against the Bill, and “we voted against it, but Maureen Pugh wouldn’t let us take the party vote”.

“This bill goes some way in the right direction, but didn’t go [far] enough, and that’s why we, on balance, decided that it wasn’t a sufficient recognition of the extraordinary harm caused.”

Labour moved for the party votes to be recorded properly after Question Time on June 26. The opposition parties voted against it.

FULL STORY

Abuse in care redress legislation passes final reading in Parliament (By Russell Palmer/Radio New Zealand)

Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill passes third reading (Beehive)

Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill (Legislation NZ)