Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff and others have delivered a historic apology from parliament to victim-survivors of child sexual abuse in state institutions, almost two years to the day since the government announced an investigation into the allegations.
Over the past two years, a commission of inquiry has heard a litany of harrowing evidence from people abused as children in various settings including hospitals, schools and detention centres.
Mr Rockliff has previously apologised publicly on behalf of the government, but this apology is a formal recognition from parliament.
"The Tasmanian government and the Tasmanian parliament unreservedly apologises to all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in Tasmanian government institutions," he said.
"Members are united in this house today ... We failed you. We are all accountable, and we are sorry.
"No child should ever experience sexual abuse or any other form of abuse. No child who has been abused should ever experience a response that minimises or rejects their abuse."
Mr Rockliff also thanked those who "demonstrated enormous bravery in sharing their lived experience".
"It is because of you, that there is a genuine commitment to real change, meaning other children and young people will be protected from experiencing the abuse you endured.
"Over the past eight months — throughout this Inquiry — we have heard about a very dark chapter in Tasmania’s history.
"It’s a chapter no-one should ever, ever forget. And today we give a solemn undertaking to all Tasmanians, to never, ever allow a repeat of this abuse, secrecy and suppression."
Opposition leader Rebecca White also rose to speak, saying "we have so badly let down so many children".
"There is no matter of greater importance than the safety of our children," she said.
"We deeply regret these failings which have caused enormous pain and suffering to these children who should have been afforded the highest protection we can offer.
"I know for some, today will be met with mixed feelings. This is a highly sensitive issue ... for some people, today will be a really important day to help them heal. For others, it will be quite distressing, and I want to acknowledge that.
"No one should suffer as you have suffered. We offer our vow, that we will work continuously to ensure this never happens again."
Greens leader Cassy O'Connor said her party had always fought for children and young people, but that "it was not and has never been enough".
"You have been grievously wronged, and for that we are sorry. For victim-survivors, we are beyond sorry your innocence was snatched away ... your childhood broken.
"While we can never know the vastness and depth of your suffering, we hear you when you tell us that what happened to you as children and teenagers has afflicted every day of your lives."
Ms O'Connor said the Greens would work to ensure every recommendation of the commission of inquiry was implemented.
"I believe there is a strong shared commitment to delivering on the recommendations of the commission of inquiry ... if we have to cut the roads budget or the stadium ... then let's have that debate."
Independents Kristie Johnston and David O'Byrne were the final two to speak, both commending the motion to the house.
"To the parents and families of those who have been abused, I am so sorry. I cannot begin to imagine your anguish," Ms Johnston said.
"You have carried the burden of your child's experiences and have made heartfelt and often difficult submissions to the inquiry, which we are so thankful for.
"Today, we recognise the harrowing experiences of members of our Tasmanian community, Tasmanians who have been abused, silenced, dismissed and neglected by the very institutions they were told to trust and deserved to trust," Mr O'Byrne said.
"It's about saying as a parliament on behalf of the people of Tasmania that this parliament hears you and this parliament believes you."
After the apologies, all members of parliament rose and observed a minute's silence.
The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Leanne McLean, said the abuse of a child in a state institution was "a gross betrayal of their trust" but acknowledged the parliament's formal apology.
"This is an important day for Tasmania. A day for the government to acknowledge the trauma that victim-survivors experienced as children in our state institutions," she said.
"What happened to them should never have happened.
"Today, more than ever, my thoughts are with the victim-survivors whose stories we know through the important work of the Commission of Inquiry, and those victim-survivors whose stories we do not yet know".
