During the last sitting week, Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland participated in Parliament’s apology to Victorians who experienced historical abuse and neglect as children in institutional care.
It is estimated more than 90,000 children were placed in care in Victoria prior to 1990, many of whom experienced physical, psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse.
Ms Cleeland expressed her deepest condolences to those who suffered at the hands of the state.
“The stories shared with us are truly horrific, and I wish anyone that suffered my sincere support as they continue the difficult process of recovering, and healing, from this trauma,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I want to acknowledge that an apology is just an initial step towards making genuine and meaningful change to our systems, and for the people who suffered, and continue to suffer within them.
“Acknowledging the serious crimes, abuse, and institutional failures of our state is critical and I hope that it does provide some respite to those who suffered in the state’s institutions.”
During the apology, Ms Cleeland referenced her regular conversations with a constituent Crystal, who has had incredible difficulties navigating state-ran services including housing, mental health support, and family services in the region as a single mother.
“My mum went through this in care, and my fear is, I will be in the same position trying to defend my grandchildren,” Crystal said.
“When they talk about generational trauma and poverty, they just need to look at me.
“I may have fallen through the cracks, but every day it feels like this government is holding me there.
“I don’t know how to break the cycle if I don’t have a safe place for my kids to live.”
Ms Cleeland said Crystal’s story is testament to the ongoing issues within our state-ran services and the significant amount of work that is still required.
“There are so many stories just like this Crystal’s right across our state,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Proper change within our state-ran services must be achieved to ensure the vicious cycles of foster care, abuse, and a lack of opportunity are no longer allowed to continue.
“I look forward to seeing more work being done in the near future to ensure that our apologies and words are more than just talk.”
