[Greens-Media] Greens support Forgotten Australians apology

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Greens support Forgotten Australians apology
Monday 31st August 2009

The Australian Greens have welcomed the Government's commitment to an
apology to the 'Forgotten Australians', and said they are keen to work
with the Government and Opposition on the apology.

"A formal statement of acknowledgement and an apology to the children
who suffered hurt and distress or abuse and assault in institutional
care is a welcome step on the way towards recovery," said Australian
Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

"I have been very concerned about the lack of progress in implementation
of the recommendations of the Lost Innocents and Forgotten Australians
reports as identified during the Senate Community Affairs Committee's
recent inquiry into progress on these reports."

"The committee made 16 recommendations for further work that we believe
needs to be done - first and foremost being a formal apology," said
Senator Siewert.

"There also needs to be further work done in the provision of redress
schemes in some states that do not yet have redress schemes. We need
Commonwealth leadership in this area to encourage these states to pursue
putting in place redress schemes."

"The churches also need to take steps to ensure that the processes for
handling abuse allegations are consistent across all jurisdictions
across this country. There needs to be greater action by the churches
and religious organisations in providing support, redress and
reparations to the children who were in their care."

"I'm very pleased to hear the Government intends to make a formal
apology, and strongly encourage implementation of the other
recommendations in the Community Affairs Committee report" said Senator
Siewert.

Senator Siewert is chair of the Senate standing committee on Community
Affairs

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180