Good News for Former Orphan

By Caroline Frank
In My Community
December 4, 2012

http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Good-news-for-former-orphan/7637072/

Robert Taylor (front). Robert Taylor (front).

A FORMER abuse victim says he would like to testify before the Royal Commission into institutional child sex abuse on behalf of the “Bindoon boys” and other sufferers.

Former Bindoon resident and author Robert Taylor (73) said he would “gladly” testify about his experiences detailed in his book Who Am I?

“I welcome the Gillard Government’s Royal Commission with open arms but it should have been invested at the time the cruelty was happening,” Mr Taylor said.

The now Atherton Tablelands resident said there was slave labour and sexual abuse by the priests and Christian Brothers through the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

“I and 12 other boys arrived at Boys’ Town, Bindoon, on June 1, 1950 and I remained there for six-and-a-half years,” he said.

“Boys’ Town was the cruellest place on earth and I will stand as a witness should I be asked for all the Bindoon boys I knew that suffered at the hands of the Christian Brothers.”

The Royal Commission will examine how religious organisations, State care and public and privately-owned schools have responded to allegations of sexual abuse.

The commission’s Terms of Reference and membership are currently being developed.

These arrangements will be discussed with State premiers, as well as survivor groups, religious leaders and community organisations in coming weeks.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said child abuse was “a vile and evil thing” and the Royal Commission would uncover whether institutions had responded appropriately.

Care Leavers Australia Network co-founder and executive officer Leonie Sheedy said the Royal Commission meant the country was “finally taking child abuse and neglect seriously.”

“It means that the churches and the charities and every state government of this country can’t hide from the crimes and criminal assaults, rapes and the beatings given out to the hidden children in Australia’s orphanages and children’s homes and foster care,” she said.

Mr Taylor said 50 of the boys in his time at Bindoon had died without any form of compensation or recognition.

“Nothing can change the past but I truly hope this helps prevent the same thing happening again,” he said.