• Senate Community Affairs References Committee

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17 July 2009This report examines the uneven implementation of Lost Innocents: Righting the Record, a report on child migration, and Forgotten Australians, a report on Australians who experienced institutional or out-of-home care as children.

The evidence received by the Committee during the current inquiry has shown that the response to the recommendations of the earlier inquiries by the Commonwealth and State governments, the churches and agencies has been variable.

Some of the notable developments that have occurred since the tabling of the earlier reports have been the holding of inquiries in some States, most notably the extensive Commission of Inquiry in South Australia by Ted Mullighan; the introduction of redress schemes in some States – though notably not in New South Wales or Victoria; the making of apologies in some States – though their content and manner of delivery were variable; and the growing membership and involvement of care leavers with support groups and the gathering of individuals to form more self-help and support groups, often through the lack of assistance from other services.

Since the tabling of Forgotten Australians in August 2004, the activities of support groups and reunions held by some homes and service providers has led to many people with a background of institutional care as a child finding out about the support and assistance that different groups can provide. Many did not know of the earlier Senate inquiry and as awareness increases so do requests for copies of the Forgotten Australians report. As at June 2009 just under 7000 copies of the report have been printed and distributed.