Agencies across government have continued to make progress over the past year to recognise and support people who experienced institutional child sexual abuse in the past, and to better protect children in the future.
This progress is outlined in the state government’s second annual report on the Commonwealth Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which was tabled in Parliament earlier today.
Of the 256 recommendations that are the responsibility of the state government, 112 recommendations have now been completed. This takes into account 50 recommendations that have been completed since the last annual report, with key activities including:
- introducing stronger, more transparent and effective screening laws through Working with Children Checks (Department of Human Services)
- participating in the National Redress Scheme to acknowledge and apologise to people who experienced child sexual abuse in state-run institutions (all state government agencies)
- removing the statute of limitations so that those who suffered child abuse can access justice and pursue compensation in their own time (Attorney-General’s Department)
- passing the Education and Children’s Services Act 2019 to enhance information-sharing about children’s education, health, safety, welfare and wellbeing (Department for Education).
Over the next year agencies will continue to work to support safe and positive futures for children, as part of a connected and coordinated child protection system.
It is anticipated that a single annual report will be produced next year, which will bring together the Commonwealth and Nyland Royal Commissions with other reform activities under Safe and well. This more coordinated approach to reporting moves away from considering recommendations in isolation to deliver smarter reform for vulnerable children and young people.