Caroline Carroll OAM Alliance for Forgotten Australians

1. Alliance for
Forgotten Australians
“Has knowledge brought justice”?
A survivor’s perspective.
Caroline Carroll OAM
© Alliance for Forgotten Australians

2. Introduction
 Australia has a history of locking up children.
 During the 20th century, an estimated half million
Australian children were placed in institutional
care in Australia. Many were criminally abused
and neglected.
 Have these children, now adults received justice?
 What is justice for these adults?
 How can these adults receive justice?

3. Current context
 DVD (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzCQKq7ttTg#t=18 )
 Royal Commission, Australian Senate and
State Government inquiries.
 National and state apologies.
 Memorials.
 Specialist support services.

4. Impact of past ‘care’ experiences
 Loss of identity
 Low self esteem
 Poor access to schooling
 Reduced employment options
 Difficulties with personal relationships
 Poor health and wellbeing
 Mental illness
 Harmful use of drugs
 High risk of homelessness

5. Royal Commission into Institutional
Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

6. Memorials across Australia

7. National Apology to Forgotten
Australians

8. What is needed?
 National Redress Scheme
 Data collection
 ‘Special needs’ recognition, identity
card (health, housing & community
services)
 Recognition of early onset ageing
 Professional education

9. We are still waiting!
 Why has justice not been delivered?
 How do we explain the gulf between
knowledge and justice?
 Why has knowledge failed to deliver
justice?
 Three examples from the media.

10. The Alliance for Forgotten Australians
Chair: Caroline Carroll
www.forgottenaustralians.org.au
Phone: +61 438460184
E: ccarroll@openplace.org.au
Contacts