22 Jul 2024

PM Christopher Luxon to make public apology for abuse in state and faith-based care

5:19 pm on 22 July 2024
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at post-cab

File photo. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will make a formal public apology at Parliament on 12 November to those who experienced abuse in state and faith-based care.

Luxon announced the date for the apology at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, saying it was important the Crown addressed and acknowledged their experiences at a national level.

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith Based Care delivered its report to the Governor-General three weeks ago.

The report and recommendations will be made public on Wednesday after it is presented to Parliament.

Luxon said he had started reading the the report, but it was huge - weighing 14kg.

There would be a range of opinions on it, he said, "but let's be clear here, this is a shameful part of our history."

Meanwhile, RNZ reported on Monday that survivors have largely or completely covered the cost of travelling to Parliament to see the final report.

Travel assistance for survivors registered with the Royal Commission was offered in the form of a small contribution through vouchers for those outside Wellington. However, many survivors were not even aware that was available, the story said.

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