Sir Anand Satyanand
Wellington, April 23, 2018
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care has received over 200 submissions from the public on the draft Terms of Reference.
Public submissions close on April 30, 2018.
I am pleased with the number and quality of submissions from individuals and groups.
“The success of the Inquiry is dependent on the input of New Zealanders, in particular people with experience of abuse. The four main areas of feedback are on the scope and purpose of the Inquiry, a suitable reference to the Treaty of Waitangi, the inquiry timelines and what constitutes ‘state care.’ I have also met with a number of submitters who have told me that the Inquiry needs to focus on the ongoing care and wellbeing of survivors and help support them through the process,” he said.
The Reference Process
Sir Anand said that the final report on the Terms of Reference will be presented to the Minister of Internal Affairs.
“The next step will be for Cabinet to agree the Terms of Reference, which will be formally notified by the Minister. Once the Terms of Reference are gazetted, the Royal Commission can begin the process of hearing evidence, addressing the needs and concerns of survivors and investigating ways to prevent further abuse,” he said.
For further information, please visit www.abuseinstatecare.royalcommission.govt.nz
Submissions can be made by:
Email: abuseinstatecare
Post: PO Box 10071, The Terrace, Wellington 6143
Free phone 0800-222727
Submitters should state if they want their submissions to be confidential.
Sir Anand Satyanand is the Chair of the recently constituted Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and former Governor General of New Zealand and former Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation. He is based in Wellington.