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Lawyers react to National Apology
Legal organisations and lawyers around the country have reacted to the National Apology delivered by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Parliament on Monday to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
Jerome Doraisamy
Australian Lawyers Alliance president Noor Blumer said as the government officially apologises to the many people who have suffered as a result of institutional sexual assault, ALA also acknowledges their pain and their courage.
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“The distressing stories of abuse that the royal commission uncovered are shocking and highlight an appalling lack of protection for children,” she said.
“Ensuring justice for these survivors is the reason the outcomes of the royal commission and the development of the National Redress Scheme have been a key priority for our Alliance for the past six years.
Nothing can take away the devastating impact of abuse, she reflected, but said ALA is hopeful that the new laws and the actions resulting from the royal commission will significantly reduce the risk of children being abused in the future.
“However, the exclusions from the National Redress Scheme, together with the deficiencies in the scheme and the delay in major institutions such as the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches in implementing it remain of great concern.”
NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said the apology recognises the widespread impact of child sexual abuse revealed by the royal commission.
“The NSW government has responded with comprehensive reforms to the civil and criminal law, helping victims and survivors obtain access to justice and improving child safety, as well as being the first state or territory to legislate for redress,” Mr Speakman said.
NSW Association president Arthur Moses tweeted that the Prime Minister was “right to apologise” but noted that more needs to be done to help survivors moving forward.
“Politicians also need to ensure that laws are enacted to give victims redress against those who have committed crimes [and/or] betrayed their duty of care,” he proclaimed.
Law Council of Australia president Morry Bailes said LCA welcomed the Prime Minister’s Apology: “An apology is a very meaningful act, which can often be the first step in the healing process,” he said.
“It is also important to formally acknowledge that Australia, and its institutions, have failed to protect many children from child sexual abuse.”
The Law Society of NSW also tweeted, noting that the apology was “a long time coming for Australians entangled in the crimes of institutional child sexual abuse”.
