Dubbo MP and former police officer Troy Grant says the biggest step towards justice for survivors of child abuse has been taken but there is more to be done to build a safer future.
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He praised the work of the royal commission that exposed child sexual abuse in many of Australia's most trusted institutions.
The $500 million, five-year inquiry on Friday outlined widespread changes designed to prevent children being sexually abused and improve the responses of institutions after decades of failures.
As a police officer, Mr Grant investigated and charged paedophile Catholic priest Vincent Ryan in 1995.
Ryan was convicted and sentenced to 14 years in jail for offences relating to 31 victims in the Hunter region.
Mr Grant was a campaigner for the royal commission and took to social media in the wake of the release of its final report.
Our victims have finally had their voice heard.
- Advocate for the royal commission Troy Grant
He said as an original and strong advocate for the royal commission, he offered his thanks to former prime minister Julia Gillard, the commissioners and all those who supported their work.
“Our victims have finally had their voice heard,” Mr Grant said in a post to Twitter.
“The biggest step has now been taken towards Justice for the survivors who fought so hard for justice and a safer future for our children.
“There are many more steps to be taken & for ‘my’ Hunter lads who gave evidence, I’m so proud of your courage...”
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Mr Grant also acknowledged other advocates for establishing the inquiry, including former and independent federal MP Tony Windsor and federal Labor MP Anthony Albanese.
In response Mr Windsor said Mr Grant and other police officers had played a significant part in achieving the inquiry.
“It was a pivotal time when police like yourself and Peter Fox spoke about the trauma witnessed.. created much needed pressure,” Mr Windsor said in a tweet.
Child protection expert Professor Leah Bromfield, who led the inquiry's research program, said the commission's recommendations must be heeded if Australia is to prevent future generations of children experiencing the devastation of abuse.