Prime Minister makes apology for catalogue of child sexual abuse

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a formal apology to Australia’s victims of child sex abuse, saying the nation must acknowledge their long, painful journey and its failure to protect them.

Mr Morrison’s emotional speech given in Parliament yesterday before hundreds of survivors followed the conclusion of a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the nation’s highest level of inquiry.

“Today as a nation we confront our failure to listen, to believe and to provide justice,” he said, adding: “We say sorry.”

Abuse survivors gathered in Parliament’s Great Hall cried, yelled and applauded as Mr Morrison read the apology.

“I believe you, we believe you, your country believes you,” he said.

The four-year inquest that delivered its final report in December revealed shocking evidence from more than 17,000 survivors and heard allegations against government, church and private institutions, as well as prominent individuals.

It also heard evidence from leaders such as Vatican Cardinal George Pell, who is charged with committing historical sex abuses himself and was accused of failing to protect children.

The Prime Minister said in his speech that it was time for Australia to confront key questions.

“Why weren’t the children of our nation loved, nurtured and protected? Why was their trust betrayed?” he said.

“Why did those who know cover it up? Why were the cries of children and parents ignored? Why was our system of justice blind to injustice? Why has it taken so long to act? Why were other things more important than this, the care of innocent children? Why didn’t we believe?”

Mr Morrison said nothing could be done to right the wrongs inflicted on children. “Even after a comprehensive royal commission, which finally enabled the voices to be heard and the silence to be broken, we will all continue to struggle,” he said.

“So today we gather in this chamber in humility, not just as representatives of the people of this country, but as fathers, as mothers, as siblings, friends, workmates and, in some cases, indeed, as victims and survivors.”

The lawmakers stood for a minute of silence following the apology. The statement came with the announcement of government plans to create a museum and research centre to raise awareness and understanding of the impacts of child sexual abuse and to make sure the nation does not forget the horrors victims have suffered.

The research centre will also assist those seeking help and guide best practices for training and other services.