Details

This Inquiry investigated progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the Lost Innocents and Forgotten Australians Senate Inquiries. The Terms of Reference did not allow for the Committee to examine the broad range of issues covered in the earlier reports.

The Process
Senate Community Affairs References Committee. The Inquiry was undertaken through public sessions, two site visit.

Governing Legislation
Referred on a motion of the Senate to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee which is constituted under Senate Standing Order 25.

Inquiry Locations
Australia; Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra

Public Hearings
The Committee held 5 days of public hearings at the above locations with evidence from Tasmania and South Australia taken by teleconference.

Written Submissions
77 submissions, 13 of which were confidential.

Witnesses
There were 27 survivor witnesses, about half of whom were representing support organisations; the remainder of the 71 witnesses were evenly spread between experts, representatives of government, previous providers and support organisations.

Gender
10 male, 17 female.

Findings
The Committee found that although some progress had been made, implementation of recommendations of the earlier inquiries, particularly in relation to Forgotten Australians, had been poor.

Recommendations
16 recommendations were made. Key recommendations included the issuing of a formal apologies from government and non-government organisations; introduction of redress schemes in states which have failed to provide them; consistent complaint mechanisms; further support for child migrants for family reunions; a whole of government approach to the provision of services for Forgotten Australians across health, housing, welfare, community services and particularly age care; improved records access; further funding for support groups; and an annual memorial day.

Inquiry Panel

• Moore, Claire