Scott Morrison apologizes to victims of child sexual abuse

In a lengthy speech to Parliament, Mr. Morrison acknowledged and apologized for the harm done to victims of child sexual abuse.

At times in his moving speech, it seemed as if the Prime Minister had to regain his composure, while many other politicians were crying tears.

"Mr. Speaker, today, as a nation, we face our inability to listen, believe and do justice," Morrison said.

"And again, today, we apologize. For the children we failed, sorry. To parents whose confidence was betrayed and who fought to pick up the pieces, sorry.

"Whistleblowers we have not listened to, sorry. To spouses, partners, wives, husbands, children, who have suffered the consequences of abuse, concealment and obstruction, sorry.

"For past and present generations, sorry."

"I'm just saying I believe you, we believe you, your country believes you," Morrison said.

Many participants agreed with Mr. Morrison's speech, but it was former Prime Minister Julia Gillard that many were waiting for.

The Great Hall broke under the applause of survivors of sexual abuse at the entrance of the former Prime Minister, as people joined together to sing his name.

Gillard was commended for the creation of the Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Sexual Abuse of Children in November 2012.

The reaction to Ms. Gillard was so strong that she was even asked to make an impromptu speech on stage.

Mr. Morrison's apology to Parliament was followed by an address by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

Mr. Shorten also apologized for the horrors suffered by thousands of Australias, recognizing that the fight against this injustice was not over.

"And we are sorry that the abuse, assault and rape of children are continuing and being hidden," he said.

"Even today, in this very country, we regret that we still can not protect all our children.

"And we all regret in this Parliament that we have not done enough to ensure that it will not happen again."

The apology will come with the announcement of a museum and a research center to remember the bravery of the victims.

Not everyone was impressed before the apology. A small addition to the seating arrangement provoked the fury of some participants.

As hundreds of victims converged on Canberra this morning, a photo of the living room was provoking controversy among the victims.

A bottle of water and a packet of tissues were photographed under a seat reserved for MP Tony Smith.

It appears that these items were placed under several chairs and one victim told news.com.au that this addition had "angered" many of those present.

"The fabrics are for the tears of the victims, the survivors and their families. It annoys a lot, not just me, "he said.

"It's annoying for many because politicians are struggling."

57-year-old Ray Leary, 57 in Sydney after years of sexual abuse as a child in Sydney, said the institutions had concealed horrific abuses of power and communities had closed the eyes on the history of survivors.

He said the apology was long overdue.

"These excuses are not just about child sexual abuse victims, but their families, their children and their consequences," Leary told APA.

"This means that the government, on behalf of the Australian people, believes us and apologizes for the sins of their fathers.

"For most of my life, I was ridiculed or ridiculed when I told the story of abuse that I suffered while growing up as a ward." d & # 39; State. "

Child victim of the infamous pedophile Robert "Dolly" Dunn, Mr. Leary attempted to lead a normal life by holding a job and living with his wife and two children, but everything went wrong when he was confronted to his past.

After being called to testify at the Wood Royal Commission, he lost everything in an attempt to obtain justice.

His marriage ended and he stopped working.

"I tried to kill myself," he said.

While trying to find a way forward, Mr. Leary created a group of sexually abused men to share their experiences in a secure space.

"By helping others, I'm on the road to healing," he said. "It's very difficult for a woman to understand that, it's very difficult for a father and a mother to understand that, and it's very difficult for any family to understand.

"I'm getting the fence and I hope these last excuses will provide a complete fence and that I can hope for another part of my life."

Katie, 96, of Sydney, hopes the excuses will bring her a sense of peace.

She is now one of the oldest victims of sexual abuse in Australia, and said she could not forget the humiliation and pain she had suffered during her years at the Gore Hill Institution. , on the north shore of Sydney. She was only six years old when she arrived at the orphanage.

"It's a big problem for people to listen and take note of what we've been through," she told ABC.

Labor's chief spokesman, Tony Burke, said no one could underestimate the meaning of the apology for the victims.

"The tone of the day will be very different from what a regular parliamentary day will be – and it must be," Burke told ABC radio on Monday.

"People have been waiting for so long to hear these words:" We believe you "."

The speech will also include the government's commitment to report annually over the next five years on the status of the Royal Commission's recommendations.

Once the five years have passed, a report will be submitted in 10 years. The apology follows the release of last year's report by the Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The investigation received more than 40,000 phone calls, 25,000 letters and e-mails, and held approximately 8,000 private sessions, resulting in 2,575 referrals to the authorities, including the police.

The government has accepted 104 of the 122 recommendations made by the royal commission, and the remaining 18 are subject to extensive review in consultation with the states and territories.