The president of the Uniting Church in Australia, Stuart McMillan, has welcomed the commitment by the Federal Government to develop a national approach to redress for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
“This commitment by the Government is important, because a nationally consistent approach has been identified as best meeting the needs of survivors,” said Stuart.
“The Royal Commission recommended a single national redress scheme and it’s a principle that we strongly support.”
“The Government previously thought a single national scheme was too complex and difficult to resource, so we acknowledge and thank the Government for its principled change of position towards a national approach.”
“It is the Uniting Church’s view that the outcome of this approach must deliver adequate funding to implement and sustain a national response that includes flexible arrangements for counselling and psychological care for survivors and funder of last resort arrangements.”
Attorney general senator, George Brandis, and minister for social services, Christian Porter, say the Federal Government will commence discussions soon with states and territories about core principles and processes for the assessment and payment of redress.
The Uniting Church in Australia acknowledges, apologises and expresses its deep regrets to any children who were sexually abused in its care, and is committed to working with survivors to make amends for what happened in the past.
“As a Church that’s committed to justice and reconciliation we continue to hope and pray that the Royal Commission process will provide an opportunity for healing, justice and reconciliation for all those who have suffered,” said Stuart.
“We are absolutely committed to promoting a child safe culture across our Church councils, schools and agencies to make our Church the safest place it can possibly be for children.”