ISSUE 4: FEBRUARY 2013
The
Tuart Times
First Christmas at Tuart Place by MARK P. (Jnr Roving Reporter)
It was 12 noon on the 12 day of the 12th month of 2012 when we came together as a whole to celebrate the year that had passed. First of all I want to remember the man who made all this possible - Mr Laurie Humphreys - who believed in equality of opportunity regardless of race and religion and who led by example. I want to thank our VIP guests, especially the Hon Alison Xamon MLC; all the FACT board members and the great staff that spent numerous hours in making the special day happen. Thanks also go to the Tuart Place singers, Choirmaster Digby Hill, and talented musician and Former Child Migrant Mr Wally Kerkhoff. As people arrived they were greeted with Christmas carols by the Glyde-In Singers assembled on the stairwell in the front entrance. There were happy faces and people talking and laughing as everyone arrived. I saw smiles I haven’t seen for a long time as old friends caught up from the past year. I also enjoyed meeting other people with the same back ground as myself. It was like meeting family that you haven’t seen for ages. th
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Royal Commission Update In early January 2013 Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the names of the Commissioners and the Terms of Reference for the Child Abuse Royal Commission. Six Commissioners have been appointed, including two West Australians – former Senator Andrew Murray and Aboriginal health expert Professor Helen Milroy. The Commission is expected to run for three years with the option for an extension if more time is required. The Royal Commission will solely focus on institutional responses to child sexual abuse and has a strong emphasis on what can be done in the future to better prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. Since the announcement of the Royal Commission, Tuart Place has received many enquiries from people wanting to know how it will affect them.
Frequently asked questions include: “Will I be forced to testify?” and “Will my Redress statement be made public?”. Please be assured that there will be no compulsion for victims to give evidence and their records will be kept confidential. People wishing to submit information to the Commission can do so publicly or privately. We are advised that the Commission will ensure that people who need assistance with reading and writing or have special needs can participate fully in the inquiry, and that appropriate support will be provided to deal with trauma encountered by people talking about their abuse. Updates, more information and the full terms of reference for the commission can be found at www. childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au