The Greens (WA) have today called on the Commonwealth and State Governments to commit to implementing the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Greens spokesperson for Child Protection Hon Alison Xamon MLC said she welcomed the Royal Commission’s final report, presented today, which marked the completion of the Royal Commission’s mammoth and distressing five-year task.
“I commend those people who fought so long and hard for the Royal Commission to be established, and those who bravely shared their personal experiences of horrendous abuse in institutions across Australia,” said Ms Xamon.
“The Royal Commission’s important work shed light on a heartbreaking period in our history, and resoundingly demonstrated that both individual institutions and governments failed abysmally in their responsibility for our children.”
“The creation of a national redress scheme as recommended by the Royal Commission is an important part of providing justice and ongoing support for survivors, and I urge the WA Government to support this recommendation,” said Ms Xamon.
Ms Xamon said while it was important for people to have had an opportunity to tell their story, and for the community to bear witness, it was vital that the Commission’s work also led to change.
“All children deserve a safe a happy childhood, and child abuse can, and should, be prevented,” said Ms Xamon.
She noted that the Royal Commission’s work provided a way forward, including recommendations for change across a wide range of areas to prevent child sexual abuse.
“The Royal Commission’s reports should not be allowed to gather dust. Implementing its recommendations is essential, and it is crucial it is done soon,” said Ms Xamon.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was established in 2013.
It has held over 8,000 private sessions, made 2,559 referrals to authorities (including police) and handled more than 41,000 calls.
