Call to expand redress for abuse

VICTIMS of sexual abuse in government schools are calling to be included in a redress scheme that will compensate people who were abused as children in institutional care.

Premier Daniel Andrews says his government will commit, if re-elected to power in November, to a formal apology in parliament to survivors of all forms of abuse in institutional settings.

But he stopped short of confirming if financial compensation would be offered to people subjected to sexual abuse in government-run schools.

Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) joint founder Leonie Sheedy, based in Geelong, said the redress scheme came with mixed emotions.

“We need to remember those care leavers who died never getting respect, records, redress or being reunited with their fractured families,” Ms Sheedy said.

“It’s a mixed day; I’m happy we finally got justice for Victorian care leavers who have suffered terrible beatings and neglect. The redress announcement validates the extreme cruelty, floggings, humiliation, constant fear and witnessing of abuse by children in care.”

Mr Andrews said he would need advice before committing to a redress scheme specifically for people let down by the Education Department.

“There are always next steps to be taken in lots of different areas,” he said.

“This won’t be the end of keeping children safe or responding to instances where they were not safe.”

The government has committed to co-design a five-year scheme that could encompass 90,000 children placed in care between 1928 and 1990.