Orphans "Left to Die': State Parliamentary Inquiry into Child Abuse Told
By Mitchell Toy
CLAIMS that orphans were murdered, tortured or left to die from injuries while under the care of religious organisations and the state were heard yesterday by a state parliamentary inquiry into child abuse. Former wards of the state have called for a public apology and compensation for abuse committed in orphanages and foster homes between the 1950s and 1980s. Angela Sdrinis, of Ryan Carlisle Thomas lawyers, said the firm had been contacted by hundreds of alleged victims of abuse who had levelled claims against religious personnel from the Salvation Army, various church denominations and even a Buddhist monk. She told the inquiry alleged victims had claimed the Bayswater Boys Home, operated by the Salvation Army in the 1950s, was a hotbed of paedophiles and that some boys had disappeared without a trace. "In some cases, (physical abuse) was so severe that complainants believe that boys were killed or allowed to die from their injuries," Ms Sdrinis said. "Allegations that boys disappeared under mysterious circumstances from the Bayswater Boys Home have been investigated by police." Ms Sdrinis said she did not believe any charges had been laid nor prosecutions commenced over the claims. Allegations emerged in 2009 that eight boys had vanished from state care, with claims the Salvation Army and the Catholic Church were involved in hushing up the incidents. The Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Non-Government Organisations, continuing yesterday, also heard from victim representatives who claimed holes in government record-keeping meant many former state wards could not prove they were exposed to abuse. The inquiry continues in January. Contact: mitchell.toy@news.com.au
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