AUSTRALIA
The Guardian
Federal government’s refusal to set up national fund for child sex abuse victims criticised by commissioner
Australian Associated Press
Tuesday 24 March 2015
The federal government’s refusal to establish a national compensation scheme for child sex abuse victims is disappointing, Justice Peter McClellan, the royal commissioner, has said.
In an opening address on Wednesday to a public hearing into redress for abuse survivors, McClellan said it was disappointing that the approach most likely to ensure a “just, fair and consistent outcome for all victims” was not supported by the Commonwealth.
The hearing before a full bench of six commissioners has received submissions from governments and institutions as well as support groups for victims, and has invited them all to speak.
Six governments, including the federal government, declined the invitation to speak.
In a two-and-a-half page submission, the Commonwealth said a national scheme was unworkable.
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