Royal Commission
What it was and why it matters
On 11 January 2013, the Governor General appointed a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Its job was to find out:
- How organisations cared for children and responded to abuse
- Where systems failed to protect children
- How laws, policies and practices could improve to prevent abuse and respond better
The Royal Commission looked at many organisations - including schools, sporting clubs, foster care, orphanages and religious groups - to understand what went wrong and how to make things safer.
The final report was published in 2017. Learn more on the Royal Commission website.
Our role in the Royal Commission
The Salvation Army appeared before the Royal Commission and provided all the information and support we could. We welcomed its recommendations and continue to work hard to protect children and young people.
Case study 5: The Salvation Army boys’ homes, Australia Eastern Territory (NSW, QLD, ACT)
January 2014 - This public hearing inquired into The Salvation Army’s response to child sexual abuse at boys’ homes in Indooroopilly, Riverview, Bexley and Goulburn.
Case study 10: The Salvation Army claims handling, Australia Eastern Territory
March 2014 - This public hearing inquired into the handling by The Salvation Army (Eastern Territory) of claims of child sexual abuse between 1993 and 2014.
Case study 33: The Salvation Army children’s homes Australia Southern Territory (SA, VIC, TAS)
October 2015 - This public hearing inquired into the experience of former child residents at institutions operated by The Salvation Army (Southern Territory) between 1940 and 1990.
Case study 49: Institutional review of The Salvation Army
December 2016 - This public hearing inquired into the current policies and procedures of The Salvation Army in relation to child protection and child-safe standards, including responding to allegations of child sexual abuse.
Our acknowledgement
We acknowledge and pay respect to all victims and survivors of abuse. We feel deep regret for every instance of harm that happened in our care. This was a failure of the greatest magnitude.
Today, The Salvation Army no longer runs children’s homes and has strong policies to protect children in all programs and services.
Historical claims and support
If you are a former resident or survivor of harm, support is available:
- Centre for Restoration – for confidential help
If you settled a claim with The Salvation Army after 1990 and it has not been reviewed since January 2014, please contact the Centre for Restoration by phoning (02) 9466 3063 or emailing centreforrestoration@salvationarmy.org.au . We will respond in a timely and sensitive way.
Our commitment to fairness
At the Royal Commission, we confirmed our commitment to review past payments to survivors to make sure standards are fair and equal for everyone.
Media information
Royal commission Information | The Salvation Army | The Salvation Army Australia
All media enquiries can be directed to The Salvation Army Australia Media Team. Phone: 03 8878 2423
Email: mediarelations@salvationarmy.org.au
Centre for Restoration
