VICTIMS of institutional child sexual abuse gathered at emotional events across the country on Monday for a formal apology from the Australian Government.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison delivered the National Apology at Parliament House, paying tribute to victims and survivors of criminal abuse betrayed by institutions.
An event for South East survivors was held at the Mount Gambier Library where the apology was screened live.
The apology was one of 409 recommendations from the five-year royal commission into child sexual abuse from state-run facilities to religious organisations.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the apology recognised the “appalling” abuse of children by institutions and acknowledges the profound and ongoing impacts this abuse has had, scarring the lives of far too many Australians.
“17,000 survivors came forward to the Royal Commission and nearly 8000 of them recounted their abuse in private sessions of the commission,” he said.
“The prime minister has announced further actions to support survivors, with annual reporting on the progress of the Royal Commission’s recommendations and working with survivor groups to establish a national museum to ensure their stories are recorded, as well as a research centre of excellence to raise awareness and understanding of the impacts of child sexual abuse.
“Our government will continue to work with our state and territory counterparts to ensure all of the 409 recommendations in the Royal Commission’s final report are implemented.”
South Australian Child Protection Minister Rachel Sanderson said the State Government stood united with the Federal Government in acknowledging and apologising for the pain and suffering those who were abused experienced in South Australian institutions.
“Nothing can excuse the horrific sexual abuse children experienced in institutions that were meant to protect them,” she said.
“The State Government is committed to providing recognition and access to justice for those who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse and takes responsibility for the abuse that occurred in state-run institutions.”
