Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens' Leader
The Turnbull Government today introduced legislation to establish a Commonwealth civil redress scheme for survivors of past abuse in institutional settings.
The Hodgman Liberals have still yet to commit to the scheme which was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Childhood Sexual Abuse.
It is estimated around 7,500 Tasmanians who still carry the scars of their abuse at the hands of churches and charitable institutions would be eligible to seek redress under a national scheme. The Royal Commission estimated it would cost the State around $13.5 million over the next decade.
When the Greens asked questions about the State's failure to commit at Budget Estimates this year, the Premier said his government was still considering its response. No provision for funding was made in the State Budget, and there has been no commitment yet from the Liberals.
Tasmanian survivors of childhood sexual abuse have been denied justice and let down enough. They have suffered enough. This ongoing delay is unacceptable.
This is about justice for Tasmanians who suffered lifelong harm at the hands of people who abused their trust. Premier and now Attorney General, Will Hodgman, must commit the State to the National Redress Scheme without further delay.