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Watch: Australian PM Scott Morrison apologises to victims of institutional child abuse

WION Web Team
Canberra ACT, AustraliaUpdated: Oct 22, 2018, 12:04 PM IST
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File photo of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Photograph:(Reuters)

Story highlights

Morrison’s apology in parliament followed the release of last year’s report by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a historic national apology to child victims of institutional sexual abuse.

"This was done by Australians to Australians, enemies in our midst, enemies in our midst," Morrison told a parliamentary chamber in a televised speech, his voice trembling with emotion.

"As a nation, we failed them, we forsook them, and that will always be our shame," he added.

Morrison’s apology in parliament followed the release of last year’s report by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The inquiry received more than 40,000 phone calls, 25,000 letters and emails, and held about 8000 private sessions, resulting in 2575 referrals to authorities, including police.

The government has accepted 104 of the 122 recommendations handed down by the royal commission, with the other 18 being closely examined in consultation with states and territories.

(With inputs from AFP)