Indigenous expert, Professor Muriel Bamblett has welcomed Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse's call for information from previous reports on child abuse.
Ms Bamblett, head of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, advocates for the rights of Indigenous children and hopes the calls prompt Aboriginal people to speak up to the Royal Commission.
"I think we need to expose how bad it is that's impacted on Aboriginal people, we know there's an over represntation of women in the criminal justice system who have a history of being abused. So institutionalisation has impacted on our people's ability to heal." Ms Bamblett said.
The historic Royal Commission has appointed six commissioners who will travel across the remote regions of the country. They also want to emply staff who work with the Indigenous community and will provide private rooms for those who wish to speak privately to the Commission.
Counsel assisting the Commisison, Gail Furness, has also called for information from all past inquiries and legal cases should go to the Royal Commission.
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"The Royal Commission into the response to Institutions to Child Sex Abuse is critical particularly for Aboriginal people." said Ms Bamblett.
The Catholic Church has also announced its 13 member Truth, Justice and Healing Council this week , which includes the only Indigenous member former Magistrate Dr Sue Gordon. The council will prepare responses to ongoing enquiries from the Royal Commission.
