Summarised by Centrist
The final report on the abuse and neglect of individuals in state and faith-based care in Aotearoa New Zealand between 1950 and 1999 involves up to 256,000 victims.
The report recommends compensation, but political commentator Grant Duncan writes that it also notes acceptance of a payment should not limit the right to sue or to lay a complaint with the Police.
Due to the insufficiency of current payments by state and faith-based institutions, ACC could be a potential avenue for compensation.
Survivors of physical injury or sexual abuse in care are usually covered by ACC law, which prevents them from suing for compensation. The report recommends making an exception to allow these survivors to seek compensation in court.
However, Duncan points out that the financial implications are enormous, with estimates of lifetime costs to survivors reaching up to $857,000 each. This amounts to a total cost between $96b and $217b.
Duncan argues the political challenge lies in gaining public support for compensating abuse victims, an issue often overlooked by middle class voters.
