ABSTRACT
Evidence given to public inquiries consistently describes cultures of child abuse in Christian Brothers' children's home. In response to mounting public pressure regarding the occurrence of abuses in the Western Australia (WA) institutions, in July 1993 the Christian Brothers issued a public statement of recognition and apology. This was prior to civil litigation and prior to the commencement of the three key public inquiries discussed. The Christian Brothers went on to establish an independent panel of inquiry, a helpline to provide access to counselling for ex-residents, and assistance in travel to countries of origin for family reunification. Redress WA was initiated by the Western Australian Government in response to recommendations by the Lost Innocents inquiry, the Forgotten Australians inquiry, and the Stolen Generations inquiry. The Lost Innocents inquiry commenced in 2000 and was a national senate inquiry that specifically addressed child migrants who came to Australia under formal agreements with Britain during the twentieth century.
