Blaxell findings highlight importance of a Royal Commission: Greens

Following the release of the Blaxell report, the Greens have repeated their call for a Royal Commission into abuse committed against children who were wards of the state.
WA Greens Child Protection Spokesperson Alison Xamon said the Blaxell report had highlighted how widespread the systemic failure was within some of these institutions.
“Reading the Blaxell report is an extremely distressing experience, to realize how many people spoke up, or attempted to speak up, and how they were ignored, or worse, threatened, by those in authority,” Ms Xamon said.
“While this report is comprehensive it has really only begun to touch the extent of alleged abuse which has occurred within this state.
“I have no doubt  that this pattern of malign influence and coverup was not isolated to the hostels examined by Justice Blaxell.
“All those who have abused the children in their care, or who colluded through their failure to act, must be brought to account.
“What is especially concerning is how recently many of these acts occurred.  Although for many adults subject to abuse who are still alive today even abuse committed decades ago continues to haunt and scar.
“We need to be absolutely determined in our efforts to ensure that none of the people who committed abuse remain in positions of influence today.
“The Premier has shown leadership in calling for the Blaxell Inquiry in the first place.
“I now call upon him to continue to show leadership by calling for a comprehensive Royal Commission.
“When I first called for a Royal Commission, earlier this year, the Premier said he would consider it after the Inquiry reported.
“That time is now.  And I hope that the Premier will give serious consideration to this in order to address the multiple injustices that the Redress scheme began to uncover.”