SA: 200 submissions to abuse inquiry already

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2004
SA: 200 submissions to abuse inquiry already

ADELAIDE, Dec 6 AAP - South Australia's commission of inquiry into allegations of sexual
abuse of children in state care has already taken about 200 submissions.

The inquiry will officially open on Wednesday with former Supreme Court judge Ted Mullighan
formally taking charge of the investigation today.

Commissioner Mullighan said he was surprised at the number of submissions so far.

"It indicates to me that it is a very deep problem for a lot of people," he told ABC radio.

"I'm just hoping that we can work in a way that will be encouraging to people to come forward."

The commission will inquire into any allegations of sexual abuse of anyone who was
in state care at the time.

Testimony will be taken in private and will remain confidential unless the person concerned
wants it passed on to police.

"The purpose of the inquiry is to determine whether there was a failure on the part
of the state to deal appropriately or adequately with allegations of sexual abuse," Mr
Mullighan said.

"In order to undertake this inquiry properly I am hoping to receive information from
as many people as possible.

"I understand (that) providing information will be difficult, particularly if it relates
to events from many years ago."

Mr Mullighan said arrangements had been made for counselling and other services to
be available to people providing information.

AAP tjd/cdh/jlw

KEYWORD: ABUSE SA NIGHTLEAD

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