AUSTRALIA
ABC News
By Nicole Chettle
Victims have waited too long for a response to their suffering and protection of children should be a top priority in Australia, says the chair of the royal commission into child sexual abuse.
After three-and-a-half years with sessions in every capital city, the final public hearing has begun in Sydney.
Chair of the commission, Justice Peter McClellan, said it was remarkable there were failures at more than 4,000 institutions identified in abuse allegations.
He said more than 1,200 witnesses gave evidence about abuse that occurred at “public and private schools, detention centres, out-of-home care, churches, orphanages and government bodies”.
“We have also inquired into defence establishments, sporting clubs, after-school care, dance and performing arts academies, institutions providing services for children with disability, scouts, healthcare providers and a yoga ashram.”
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