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	Millions for Abused Wards of State By Amanda O'Brien The Australian December 18, 2007 http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22940772-2702,00.html GENERATIONS of West Australian children who were abused in state care will be offered up to $80,000 each in compensation under the most generous redress scheme in the nation. Premier Alan Carpenter yesterday apologised unreservedly for the horrors endured by thousands of children in state care dating back decades. He said $114 million had been set aside for the physical, sexual and psychological harm they suffered. Up to 10,000 former child migrants, members of the Stolen Generation and children abused in foster homes, institutions and non-government or church-based care were expected to be eligible. The Government estimates up to a third suffered sexual abuse. Mr Carpenter said ex-gratia payments of up to $10,000 would be offered to those who suffered abuse or neglect and up to $80,000 where it resulted in physical or psychological harm. He said the West Australian scheme covered more children and paid significantly more than those in Queensland and Tasmania, the only other states offering redress schemes. Queensland has maximum payments of $7000 and $40,000 depending on the level of abuse, while Tasmania has a one-tier $60,000 maximum. Former ward of the state, Kathleen Vermeer, now 63, who suffered serious and prolonged abuse from the age of nine in a church-based orphanage, was close to tears as she spoke yesterday about the importance of the Government's gesture in helping her find peace. "If you can think of any kind of abuse, I've had it," Ms Vermeer said. "It's still very painful. There's a couple of people ... my first reaction is to put a pox on them for the cruelty that we endured." Geoff Carruthers, also now 63, spent 15 years in foster care suffering constant emotional and physical abuse. He said the pain of what he went through would stay with him till the day he died. "It was belting after belting after belting," Mr Carruthers said. Although the money and an apology were appreciated, he said it was the public recognition that mattered most. Communities Minister Sue Ellery said that although many children suffered abuse and neglect in their own homes, those abused in state care went through a "double betrayal" and deserved special support. She said the scheme provided an alternative for people not wanting to go through the courts or those caught out by statutes of limitations. But victims could still choose to go to court. About 90 writs have so far been issued by people taking action over alleged abuse in state care. Ms Ellery said applicants for the first-tier payments would only have to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood that abuse or neglect had occurred. Those seeking second-tier payments of up to $80,000 would have a higher evidence test involving medical and psychological records. A cut-off date of March 1 last year would apply. Anyone suffering abuse after that date would have to pursue their claims through the courts but would receive free legal advice. A freecall number 1800 617 233 has been set up immediately but formal applications will not be called until May 1 next year.
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