Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
On this, the inaugural National Day of Recognition for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Institutional Abuse, we recognise and remember all who have suffered harm as children and young people.
Today we recognise the pain and honour the courage of all survivors of sexual assault and institutional abuse. With heavy hearts, we also solemnly remember those victims who did not survive and we recognise the deep, unending grief of those who loved them.
We also acknowledge those who have played such a crucial role in trying to protect children from harm and give strength to survivors. and those who have courageously spoken out to shine a light on abuse.
The evidence presented to the Commission of Inquiry this year has highlighted the harrowing experiences suffered by survivors of sexual assault and institutional abuse, and demonstrated the appalling failures of successive governments to prioritise the safety of children.
The Parliamentary Apology to victim survivors was a necessary, formal acknowledgement of past failures and negligence, but our attention must now turn to ensuring our laws, policies and systems are reformed to better protect children and young people.
We acknowledge the Rockliff Government has committed to accepting all the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry when its report is handed down in May next year. There can be zero wriggle room for government on this commitment.
The Tasmanian Greens recognise our responsibility as Members of Parliament to help make sure these recommendations are implemented urgently and in full, with all the resourcing that’s needed.
On this National Survivors’ Day, as a society, we have to commit to real change.