Shared Government and Church Apology SA Apology

Regarding: South Australian Inquiry
2008

Shared Government and Church Apology to those harmed in State Care in South Australia during their Childhood

We the Government of South Australia and the Churches recognize that some children and young people who were placed in our care suffered abuse that has impacted on their lives. This should never have happened.

We are sorry and we express deep regret for the pain and hurt that they experienced through no fault of their own.

We acknowledge that in the past some carers and others who have worked in the area have abused the trust what was placed in them.

We acknowledge that the policies and practices in the last century did have a detrimental effect on some who grew up in State care.

To all those who experienced abuse in State care, we are sorry.
To those who witnessed these abuses, we say sorry.
To those who were not believed, when trying to report these abuses, we say sorry.

We are sorry for the pain shared by loved ones, husbands and wives, partners, brothers and sisters, parents, and importantly, their children.

Our apology is given in a spirit of reconciliation and healing and with our commitment to contribute toward a child safe environment in our Government, our churches and the broader community.
We commit to do all that we reasonably can to ensure that children in our care are not subject to abuse and that those who have abused are brought to justice.
 
Hon Mike Rann MP
Premier of South Australia

The Most Rev’d Dr Jeffrey Driver
Archbishop of Adelaide

Rev Rod Dyson
Moderator of Synod of South Australia
Chairperson of Presbytery of South Australia
Uniting Church in Australia

Hon Jay Weatherill MP
Minister for Families and Communities

Rev Robert L Voigt
President – Lutheran Church
South Australia and Northern Territory

The most Reverend Gregory O’Kelly SJ
Auxiliary Bishop
representing Archbishop Philip Wilson DD
Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide