Memorandum of Understanding signed
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions and the Department of Corrections have formalised an agreement to support people in prisons to participate in the Inquiry.
Commissioner Judge Coral Shaw and Corrections Chief Executive Christine Stevenson have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that includes a set of key principles that will guide how the Royal Commission and Department will work together.
The principles include good faith, autonomy, cooperation, communication and timeliness.
Judge Coral Shaw says the MOU helps ensure people in prison can access the information they need so they can make the choice to be involved.
“We know large numbers of people in prison have also spent time in care as a child or young person and we are doing everything we can to help them be involved in the Inquiry,” she says.
Christine Stevenson says the agreement will support people in prison to contribute to the Inquiry, breaking down access barriers.
“We are working together to ensure that prisoners have access to information about the Inquiry, and access to Commissioners to share their experiences. This includes making information about the Inquiry available on prison kiosks, and enabling prisoners to confidentially phone the Inquiry’s 0800 number to register their interest.”
The Royal Commission of Inquiry will be holding private sessions in two prisons over the coming months.
The sessions will involve people in prison sharing their experiences of abuse in State or faith-based care with individual Commissioners; with the information being used to assist the Inquiry.
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