Page 3798 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 24 September 2019
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who have not been abused. Running away also makes children more likely to commit survival crimes. The research also suggests that the victims of abuse experience poorer academic achievement: they are less likely to achieve secondary school qualifications, to gain a higher school certificate, to attend university, and to obtain a university degree.
As a proud Canberran, I want to know that our most vulnerable are protected and supported to succeed. I want to know that Canberrans understand their obligations to protect those more vulnerable. I want to know that they do this not primarily because there is a criminal penalty if they do not but, more importantly, because they understand the importance of keeping children safe by reporting suspected child abuse.
In my public statements in both the media and this place I have been unequivocal in my condemnation of any stance to not report abuse. I have stated that it is everyone’s responsibility to report child sexual abuse, that there are no exceptions and that it is inappropriate for any leader of any institution to be finding reasons for not implementing the legislation. Responding to child sexual abuse is a tripartisan, nationally supported issue. The Prime Minister gave a commitment to survivors during the national apology, which I reiterate:
… our nation—
and in our case our society—
does not turn from shame and our nation will never forget the untold horrors you—
the survivors—
experienced.
It is the role of all Canberrans to understand their obligations to report abuse and to send a clear message that children’s rights are paramount. We all play a part in keeping our society safe. In being aware of that obligation, Canberrans must ensure that history never repeats, that victims are never again silenced, that perpetrators of child sexual abuse are brought to justice and that our community is a safe place for children and young people to live, learn and play.
I am pleased to table five fact sheets that have been produced within the government regarding the reporting obligations concerning child abuse, to assist Canberrans in understanding their obligations, being aware and being able to follow through. Those fact sheets have been part of a special media, social media and public transport campaign. I am pleased that the same fact sheets have been provided to a very broad range of stakeholders. I am also pleased to have had the opportunity to speak recently at a public regional gathering of one of the faith-based institutions in this community, where I was able to explain, and discuss at great length, the obligations that all Canberrans have.
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