Prime Minister’s Apology for Abuse in State Care

The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has announced a formal apology to survivors of abuse in state care, acknowledging the failings of the government and public sector agencies that facilitated the abuse.

The apology is part of a comprehensive response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, which found widespread systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur. The inquiry’s findings have sparked widespread outrage and calls for action from politicians, civil society, and the public.

Background

The abuse in state care scandal has left thousands of survivors with physical and emotional scars. Many were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and psychological manipulation while in institutions that were supposed to provide them with protection and support. The inquiry’s findings have revealed a culture of complacency, cover-ups, and a lack of accountability among those responsible for the abuse.

The Apology

Prime Minister Luxon has acknowledged that the government and public sector agencies failed to protect vulnerable children and young people from abuse. He has apologized for the harm caused by these failings and has committed to implementing changes to prevent such abuse from happening again.

In a statement, Prime Minister Luxon said: “Today, we take responsibility for our failures. We acknowledge that the government and public sector agencies failed to protect vulnerable children and young people from abuse. We apologize for the harm caused by these failings and commit to making things right.”

Redress Scheme

While the apology is an important step forward, many survivors have expressed disappointment that a redress scheme has not been announced yet. The Government’s lead minister on this issue, Erica Stanford, has explained that the scheme is complex and will be based on certain principles.

“We understand the importance of providing support to survivors of abuse in state care,” Ms. Stanford said. “However, we must ensure that any compensation scheme is fair, equitable, and sustainable. We are working hard to develop a scheme that meets these criteria.”

Law Changes

The Government has also announced plans to introduce several law changes inspired by the inquiry’s recommendations. These include outlawing strip-searching of children, strengthening regulations to prevent people with overseas convictions related to serious harm from working with children, and increasing funding for services that support survivors.

While some have welcomed these changes, others have expressed skepticism about their effectiveness in addressing the root causes of abuse in state care.

Survivor Response

Many survivors have praised the apology and the law changes announced by the Government. However, they have also criticized the lack of a redress scheme and the delay in implementing the changes.

“I think there should have been some compensation in place way before now,” said Paora Moyle, a former member of the Crown’s inquiry response unit who stepped down partly due to a lack of action concerning compensation. “Nothing will change unless the Government puts its money where its mouth is.”

Category: Politics