Govt Pledges $430m for Sex Abuse Inquiry

Sydney Morning Herald
May 14, 2013

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/govt-pledges-430m-for-sex-abuse-inquiry-20130514-2jkla.html

The Gillard government has pledged more than $400 million for the royal commission into child sexual abuse.

Tuesday's federal budget sets aside $434.1 million over four years for the inquiry announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard in December.

Ms Gillard says that figure will provide the commission with the necessary resources to fully investigate where institutions have gone wrong.

"This funding recognises the importance the government places on addressing injustices that have occurred in institutions against the most vulnerable in our society," the prime minister said in a statement.

"It is a key component in the government's plans to ensure a stronger, smarter and fairer Australia."

About $45 million will be spent on supporting survivors of child sexual abuse and their families to tell their stories.

The government will fund organisations to provide counselling during and after the inquiry and pay for the expenses of witnesses who travel to testify. It will also set up a legal financial assistance scheme for people requiring lawyers.

Ms Gillard announced the commission in response to fresh revelations about child sexual abuse while in institutional care.

It will make recommendations on ways to improve laws, practices and policies to protect children in institutions in the future.

Labor says it will also give survivors the support and justice they deserve and assist with the healing process.

"This is perhaps the most significant and far-reaching Royal Commission in Australia's history," Ms Gillard said.