Australian Royal Commission of Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse
In November 2012, the Prime Minister of Australia announced a Royal Commission inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Australian institutions. A Royal Commission has the highest possible powers and can require people to attend and give evidence. The inquiry will investigate decades of child abuse in churches, schools and foster homes and address “institutional responses to child abuse” by a range of institutions. It will take several years to complete.
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Royal Commission Introduction
An introduction to the Royal Commission, and a copy of the Letters Patent appointing the commission of inquiry and outlining its terms of reference.
State Government Inquiry in Victoria, Australia
In April 2012, the Government of Victoria, Australia launched an Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and Other Organisations with a report to Parliament due 30th April 2013. This has now been extended to 30th September 2013.
Submissions are available at http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc/article/1789
Details of hearings and transcripts are available at http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc/article/1786