Today marks the sixth anniversary of the National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.
The appalling abuse endured by vulnerable children, including current generations, by the very people who were supposed to care for them, left immeasurable and lasting damage.
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring those who experienced this abuse are heard, recognised, valued and supported.
The National Apology was delivered in response to a five-year Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse initiated by former Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard AC.
The National Apology acknowledged and apologised for the abuse inflicted by institutions on vulnerable children.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth highlighted the courage of survivors and advocates who spoke out to expose the abuse in institutions.
“Six years ago, the Government apologised for the inexcusable actions of perpetrators of institutional child sexual abuse,” Minister Rishworth said.
“I recognise on this anniversary that no apology could ever change the immense trauma and pain caused by the abuse faced by many Australians.
“Today is an opportunity to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse through the National Redress Scheme and its continuous improvement to make it more trauma-informed, efficient, and survivor-focussed.”
Last week the Minister hosted the seventh Survivor Roundtable in Adelaide with Kyam Maher MLC, Attorney General of South Australia, to hear directly from survivors about their experiences with the Scheme and ensure it is as survivor-focussed as it can be.
In March this year, the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Amendment Act 2024 was passed in Parliament, completing the implementation of all primary legislative measures from the Australian Government’s Response to the Final Report of the Second Year Review of the National Redress Scheme.
The changes include:
- allowing applicants to provide additional information when requesting a review of a finalised application
- reducing the circumstances where applications from those with a serious criminal conviction must undergo a special assessment process
- removing restrictions preventing incarcerated survivors from lodging an application, and
- enabling reassessment of finalised applications if a relevant institution later joins the Scheme (noting that this change will take effect at a later date).
The Scheme continues to engage with jurisdictions and strives to on-board new institutions and pursue ‘funder of last resort’ arrangements with State and Territory Governments so applications can continue to progress.
Minister Rishworth said that the Scheme has continued to grow receiving more than 50,000 applications for redress, demonstrating the widespread and enduring impact child sexual abuse has had on the nation.
The Royal Commission also recommended a National Memorial for Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse in Canberra, to provide an enduring place of reflection and recognition, a place to gather and honour those whose voices were not heard.
Work on the National Memorial continues to progress, informed by survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and is on track to commence construction in 2025.
The Government continues to prioritise implementation of recommendations of the Royal Commission, including Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, the National Office for Child Safety and the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021 – 2030.
The Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC launched the ‘One Talk at a Time’ campaign, including a children’s storybook, Australia’s first national campaign aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. The $22.4 million campaign is targeted at adults who play an active role in the lives of children and young people and encourages them to have ongoing, proactive and preventive conversations about child sexual abuse.
More information about the National Redress Scheme via 1800 737 377 or on its website.
More information about the National Memorial is available on its website.
Reading about child sexual abuse can bring up strong feelings. Support is available. For 24/7 support you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14; call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732; or 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis support. Bravehearts supports anyone seeking advice or help related to child sexual abuse, and is available Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Blue Knot Foundation provides support and information to adult survivors of childhood trauma including child sexual abuse, their families and friends, and is available Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Visit ChildSafety.gov.au/get-support for a dedicated list of support services.