Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

720 Public Consultation Contributions Received

Joint Media Release with:

  • The Hon Nicola Roxon MP

    Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
    Minister for Disability Reform

More than 720 individuals and organisations have provided input to the Government to assist with the establishment of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses of Child Sexual Abuse.

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Minister for Families Jenny Macklin said there has been overwhelming support from across the country as the Government has started the work to establish this Royal Commission.

“Child sexual abuse, by anyone, anywhere, at any time, is a wretched crime that destroys young lives and haunts them as adults,” Ms Roxon said.

“Doing the groundwork is essential as it ensures that the Royal Commission will be able to effectively investigate responses to instances and allegations of child sexual abuse in institutions,” Ms Macklin said.

As at 9am Wednesday 28 November 2012, the Government had received contributions on the formation the Royal Commission from more than 720 individuals and organisations. These contributions have come in the form of 555 comments by email and 165 formal written submissions.

Submissions received so far highlight the:

  • Importance of designing hearing processes appropriately so victims feel supported through the process of preparing and giving evidence
  • Need to appoint multiple commissioners with broad expertise – legal expertise and child protection expertise are most commonly mentioned
  • Commission should take whatever time is needed to get it right, but also include timely reporting (every 1-2 years) with recognition that the Commission will need sufficient time to investigate thoroughly.

“These 720 organisations and individuals have taken the time to contact the Government and have sent a strong message,” Ms Roxon said. “The Commission needs to make sure its recommendations can be implemented, and that they can be implemented in a timely manner.”

“It’s clear the community wants the Commission and all the governments of Australia to do everything we can to make sure that what happened in the past is never allowed to happen again,” Ms Macklin said.

The Government will continue to work with all stakeholders as we develop the Royal Commission.

The discussion paper can be found at www.dpmc.gov.au/child_abuse_royal_commission/index.cfm. The call centre to deal with inquiries about the Royal Commission can be reached on 1800 099 340. You can also email the Royal Commission Secretariat at http://childabuseroyalcommission.dpmc.gov.au/