Jacinta Allan chokes back tears during historic apology to Victorians abused in state care

Premier Jacinta Allan became emotional while making a historic formal apology to Victorians who were abused in state care, telling them “we failed you”.

Premier Jacinta Allan breaks down during her apology to Victorians who experienced historical abuse and neglect as children in institutional care.

Premier Jacinta Allan has choked back tears while making a historic formal apology to Victorians abused in state care.

Describing decades of abuse as a “shameful chapter” in Victoria’s history, Ms Allan made the apology before a joint sitting of parliament.

Dozens of survivors watched on from the public gallery, while hundreds of others gathered in the nearby Queens Hall to watch a live stream of the apology.

“We failed you,” Ms Allan said.

“Today we acknowledge a shameful chapter in our history and the experience of a group of Victorians who have fought a long time to be heard.

“To those children who were abused and neglected during their time in care, we humbly and unreservedly apologise.”

More than 90,000 children were placed in state care across the state between 1928 and 1990, many who were tortured by their carers.

The Premier choked back tears as she detailed stories of abused children including those locked in cupboards and others who were starved.

“The state wielded all the power and nothing you did or said could change a thing,” she said.

“The system didn’t just neglect these children, it actively hurt them.

“Brutal punishments were handed out for imagined misbehaviour. A deliberate attempt to rob a child of their dignity and self esteem.”

“When you listen to their stories, it’s that casual indifference, that careless cruelty that is often the hardest to bear.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan told the survivors ‘we failed you’. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“The arrogance and incompetence of officials who insisted they knew better.

“There are many stories of the abuse children in care experienced during this time.

A motion supporting the apology was passed unanimously following speeches by Opposition Leader John Pesutto, who was interrupted by a heckler, and Greens leader Samantha Ratnam.

“We join this motion today because our care leavers who are with us today and those who never made it to today deserved that protection and they didn’t get it,” Mr Pesutto said.

“We failed those in institutionalised out-of-home care in this state and this apology is well deserved.”

Ms Allan signed later copies of the apology for survivors.

Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies Director Professor Daryl Higgins said the apology was an important first step for survivors.

“The Premier’s apology today was powerful and heartfelt. It acknowledged the deep and enduring harm suffered by thousands of Victorian children we entrusted into the Government’s care,” Professor Higgins said.

“The real demonstration of an apology though is the steps toward reparations.

“For many survivors yes, it’s about overcoming the harms that have occurred to them but it’s also about ensuring the same thing doesn’t continue to happen.”

A new Victorian Care Leavers Redress Scheme is currently being developed by the state government.

Until the scheme begins, payments of $10,000 are available to people who were physically, psychologically or emotionally abused or neglected.