The Australian Government has released a consultation paper related to the establishment of the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse.
A Royal Commission is a public inquiry with substantial powers which, once it gets going, cannot stop until it has completed its work which is why the terms of reference for the Commission are so important. A Royal Commission can last for years and be very costly, but they are the most potent way of inquiring into issues and achieving change and, perhaps in this instance, a degree of comfort. The Royal Commission has bipartisan support.
The Government has asked for comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper within a very quick turnaround time of next Monday, to give the Government time to ensure the Royal Commission can get underway early in 2013.
The issues raised in the consultation paper include:
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the scope of the terms of reference – for example, identifying any policy, legal, administrative or structural reforms required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children, as well as what is required to support the needs of victims of child abuse and their families
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the form of the Royal Commission – the extent to which states and territories will make information available to the Commission
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the number and qualification of the Commissioners – for example, should there be one Commissioner or multiple Commissioners
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the reporting arrangements for the Commission – for example, should there be an interim report or reports rather than waiting until the end of the Commission.
The consultation paper (which is short) can be found here: http://childabuseroyalcommission.dpmc.gov.au/consultation-paper.
Comments can be provided by the end of the day Monday 26th November to:
royalcommissionsecretariat@pmc.gov.au
or
Secretariat
Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse
PO Box 6555
CANBERRA ACT 2600
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