|
|
Print this Article
Apology long overdue
16-November-2009
MEDIA RELEASE
Apology long overdue
The mental and physical abuse suffered by Australians at the hands of care providers was often cruel and should have been addressed long before institutions were finally outlawed in the 1990’s according to the Federal Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley.
Ms Ley spoke in Federal parliament today about the impact on the lives of those who were placed in care from the early 1900’s to the 1970’s.
She spoke about a friendship she developed with one local care leaver whilst she was Parliamentary Secretary for Children and Youth Affairs when the Forgotten Children report was released in 2004.
“Many care leavers have not been able to lead a full and productive live due to the isolation and lack of self-worth that they feel.” Ms Ley said
“This is a story that is typical amongst those who were placed in institutional care. Many do not have the ability to maintain relationships with families and partners.”
“Their stories are unique and complex and as a nation we must support their need for ongoing assistance and understanding. They need Government assistance for counselling and to enable them to reconcile their past in order to have a strong, positive future”. Ms Ley said.
Between 2003 and 2004, a Senate Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care received more than 600 submissions from care leavers who had bee in government and non-government institutions or foster homes across all States in Australian from the 1920’s to the 1990’s. 171 people who had lived in institutions across Australia and representatives of relevant organisations gave evidence at hearings across Australia.
Due to the overwhelming and complex issues that the inquiry revealed, the reporting date was extended from December 2003 to August 2004 in order to allow for as many care leavers as possible to gain knowledge of the inquiry and to make submissions.
“The key recommendation of the inquiry was to issue a formal statement acknowledging on behalf of the nation, the hurt and distress suffered by many in institutional care” Ms Ley said
“It is incomprehensible that children who needed protection were the victims of abuse and assault and for that we must apologise and where necessary work through the reconciliation process with victims and their families.”
-ends-
______________________________________________________________________________
Media contact: Debbie Brown (02) 60213264 0428 297 699