Let me tell you a story about just how effective Royal Commissions can be in bringing about change.

Decades ago I met my friend who had been awfully abused in an Anglican home in Northern NSW. His story shook me, and along with some other friends we tried to support him however we could.

Over the years he wrote thousands of letters. Literally thousands. To the church, to politicians, to journalists, to anyone who would listen. He got quite a bit of publicity but the church just constantly stonewalled him. On a couple of occasions I wrote letters on his behalf. The letters I received back from the church took my breath away, callous in their stubborn refusal to even engage with him on the abuse.

For decades, my friend fought just to get a meeting with the Archbishop of Brisbane. He was refused. So he stood outside the church with a sign. Still stonewalled.

My friend is stubborn, documented everything, kept box after box of correspondence, but got nowhere in spite of this massive effort. 

Then Julia Gillard announced the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. On a dime everything changed. My friend was one of the first to testify, and gave harrowing testimony of his time in the home and the abuse that he and hundreds of others suffered. He also testified of the decades of deliberate inaction by the church.

His testimony led to the resignations from the church of two senior clergymen, including former Queensland Government Cabinet Minister Pat Comben, who was central to the diocese’s hardline stance against victims seeking compensation, and an apology for the abuse they suffered at the home. It also led to much higher compensation for the victims. And it lead to massive cultural change in how these institutions operate and their accountability.

Royal Commissions aren't perfect, and in no way am I saying this is the only way to get governments to act. But I can't see any other lever to push the federal government to implement nationwide, evidence based, proven strategies that work and adequately fund these. 

Royal Commissions can also help the voices of survivors be heard. DV survivors often do not speak out, as this can jeopardise their safety, and also the safety of their children. A Royal Commission would allow this testimony to be heard and recorded in a supportive, trauma informed, anonymous way.

Our proposal for a Royal Commission contains proven, evidence based strategies that have been shown to work overseas, and calls for these to be investigated, along with other investigating other road  blocks to preventing the violence against women.

They are specific, somthing that the national plan to end violence against women and children is not. There are no specific actions in that plan, no timelines, no delineation of who is responsible. 

It does not mean that the govt cannot take action now as well for short term solutions. It is perfectly possible to do both, and disingenuous to suggest a RC would hold up change. That is just another excuse and stonewall by politicians intent on doing as little as possible. We owe it to survivors that action for medium and long term strategies are also put in place.

I note that most of those arguing against a Royal Commission are politicians. I can see why. RC's put a spotlight on govt inaction, and governments can be held to account for taking action on the RC's recommendations and funding these when they are delivered.

6 years ago, 6 years, I started this petition out of sheer frustration as a survivor, and as a DV worker, because of the inaction of governments to instigate real programs and adequately fund frontline services. 6 years ago, if the RC had been called, it would be finished by now and a plethora of change would have happened.

Please don't make survivors wait another 6 years. Please sign and share this petition.

Thanks, Ali