Australian Child Abuse Victims Demand Compensation

“A group of men, who were abused as children whilst in state care in the Great Southern, are demanding government compensation.

Dennis John McKenna managed a government-run boarding hostel, and abused six boys between 1977 and 1985.

The victims were staying at the hostel while they attended a nearby high school.

McKenna pleaded guilty last month and is behind bars awaiting sentencing in October.

One of his victims, Todd Jefferies, is among those now seeking an ex-gratia payment.

“It’s the acknowledgment and you know putting some light on what has been a dirty little secret that no one’s really wanted to deal with,” he said.

He and other victims have hired Perth lawyer John Hammond who is fighting for compensation and a public apology for his clients from the State Government.

“The state has a lot to answer for, for anything like this to happen to young teenagers is unforgivable,” he said.

“Given that some of the victims have told me that the school or the hostel was aware of what was going on, that people in positions of authority had knowledge that there was at least the possibility of child abuse going on, then the state has a lot to answer for,” he said.

Mr Hammond says payments offered under the Redress scheme, which was set up to apologise to people abused whilst in state care, do not go far enough.

He says his clients are seeking ex-gratia payments.

“That’s a payment over and above what Redress has offered, because to me for the state to try and walk away from this for $13,000 a head is an insult to the people involved.”

The Attorney General Christian Porter has been contacted for comment.”

Child abuse victims demand compensation
[Australian Broadcasting Company 9/12/11]

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