MEDIA RELEASE
CONCLUSION OF ROYAL COMMISSION INTO INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Federal member for Ballarat, Catherine King has today acknowledged the delivery of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse’s final report to the Governor-General.
“This comprehensive investigation, announced by the Gillard Government in 2012, has shone a light on an issue which has too long been swept under the carpet in Australia and particularly in Ballarat,” Ms King said.
Over almost 5 years the Royal Commission has held 57 public hearings, heard from 1,300 witnesses and most importantly listened to the personal accounts of almost 8,000 survivors of child sexual abuse.
“I would like to thank all those involved in the Royal Commission, from the commissioners, to lawyers and other support staff”.
“Most importantly I thank the survivors who came forward to tell their stories and led the push for justice”.
“While I know that nothing can undo the hurt that survivors have experienced, I hope that the opportunity to tell their stories, to be heard, to be believed, and to ensure that such crimes are never again committed goes some way towards their healing”.
“I will never forget the work and bravery of survivors and their supporters in Ballarat who have worked tirelessly to advocate for just such an investigation and justice for past wrongs. Their bravery in coming forward to tell their stories stands as an inspiration to all in Ballarat.”
“It is now up to the leaders of our communities, our institutions and our country to ensure that the recommendations of the Royal Commission are enacted in full”.