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Multi-Billion Dollar Abuse Compensation Scheme to Start in Australia

by Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY --

   A multi-billion dollar compensation scheme for victims of child abuse
   begins in Australia Sunday (July 1). Financial restitution was one of
   the key recommendations of a five-year Royal Commission into the abuse
   of children in Australian institutions dating back several decades.

   Authorities believe the $3 billion dollar scheme will help to ease the
   pain of those who were abused in Australian institutions.

   Michael Welsh, an Aboriginal man, was forcibly taken from his parents
   when he was eight years old. He was sent to the notorious Kinchella
   Boys Home in New South Wales state, where he says he was brutally
   mistreated.

   "We were starved, we were flogged and we were abused physically and
   sexually," said Welsh.

   It is estimated that 60,000 Australians will be eligible to claim
   compensation, but victims of child abuse who have criminal records
   might not be allowed to take part.

   The average claim is likely to be around $56,000, and payments are
   capped at $110,000.

   Michael Welsh hopes to buy land and be surrounded by his family.

   "I would love to have a property that they could build their own houses
   on or whatever. Yeah, that is my dream," said Welsh.

   Australia's Minister for Social Services, Dan Tehan, says the
   compensation scheme is a significant step forward.

   "This is momentous for those who suffered child sex abuse," said Tehan.
   "For years and years they have sought redress, they have sought an
   apology, they have sought compensation and on 1 July that process will
   begin."

   The multi-billion redress scheme was a key recommendation of a Royal
   Commission that investigated child sexual abuse in Australian religious
   organizations, schools, charities, sports clubs and the military.

   For five years, the inquiry heard stories of depravity, of children
   being routinely attacked and degraded. Many perpetrators held positions
   of leadership and authority, including priests and teachers. The
   Commission published its report last December.

   The government says most of its recommendations will be implemented,
   and the prime minister will make a national apology to victims of abuse
   in October.