AUSTRALIA
The Courier-Mail

Daryl Passmore
From:The Courier-Mail
January 14, 2013

A PHONE link-up today marks the start of the historic national inquiry into child sex abuse – and a personal triumph for one determined woman.

As the six royal commissioners appointed by Prime Minister Julia Gillard begin planning how they will conduct one of the most wide-ranging investigations ever, Hetty Johnston – founder of Queensland-based child protection group Bravehearts – will allow herself a brief period of satisfaction and celebration.

“I’m so excited. I feel like a giggly little girl,” said the 53-year-old, who has waged a 16-year battle to give survivors a voice – and persuade the rest of the country to listen.

“I feel vindicated. Sixteen years slogging away, beating the drum, being ignored … it’s amazing. I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I can see we will actually achieve what…