May 31 2018 Opposition encourages Government to enter redress scheme The State Opposition has encouraged the WA Government to follow the lead of other States and enter the redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse. Shadow Attorney General Michael Mischin said he welcomed the decision of the Catholic and Anglican Churches, Salvation Army, Scouts and YMCA to enter the redress scheme, and it was incumbent on the WA Government to do the same. “It is encouraging that the Catholic Church, which has been the focus of the greatest proportion of complaints against religious institutions, has accepted its responsibility to go some way towards making redress,” Mr Mischin said. “I hope the Church will equally show its will to ensure this sad and disgraceful chapter in its history is not repeated. “It is now incumbent on the WA Government to sign up to the national scheme and give certainty to victims of child sexual abuse. “Attorney General Quigley has made a great play of his being a champion for abuse victims, but has been lax in this area.” Mr Mischin said the former Government did considerable work previously in establishing redress schemes. “Mr Quigley needs to explain why WA has not signed up when every other State and Territory has done so,” Mr Mischin said. “Instead he blames the delay on a lack of information, but other States and Territories have had sufficient information to be able to do so, and now various non-government institutions are doing the same. “Mr Quigley needs to explain in detail why the negotiations have not been completed and what were the impediments to WA joining the scheme earlier. “He cannot put it down to a lack of funds – that would be offensive to those victims of child sexual abuse who have suffered long enough. Monetary considerations did not prevent his lifting the limitation period for suing State institutions. “The McGowan Government may have to put aside some of its pet projects and give priority to its obligations.” Media Contact |
