The final day of the Commission of Inquiry was an emotional time for victim survivors

Sadness, relief, fear of what comes next: Victim survivors, family members and advocates experienced a complex mix of emotions on the final day of the Commission of Inquiry. What they had to say.

Commission of Inquiry closing statements in Hobart. Picture: ABC/pool

Sadness, relief, fear of what comes next: Victim survivors, family members and advocates experienced a complex mix of emotions on the final day of the Commission of Inquiry.

Angelique Knight, who was abused as a child by Launceston General Hospital paedophile nurse James Griffin, said the commissioners’ closing remarks had been validating.

“It felt amazing actually, like everything that everyone has gone through has been for a purpose. I guess because people didn’t say anything for so long and it’s frightening. I think having people listen and acknowledging that has been very meaningful, well it has to me,” Ms Knight said.

Another victim survivor abused by Griffin, Tiffany Skeggs, said the commissioners’ comments “made us feel as though we had been heard”.

“The most profound thing for me today was the commission honed in on prevention being key,” Ms Skeggs said.

The Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings has held its final hearing in Hobart. Tiffany Skeggs speaks. Picture: Chris Kidd

Katrina Munting, who was abused by a teacher at Rose Bay High School, said the final hearing was “powerful”.

“I’m exceptionally grateful for the work they have done … 191 recommendations, on one hand it’s abysmal, but on the other it fills me with hope. That’s 191 things we can fix so our young people in the future don’t have to experience what we experienced,” Mrs Munting said.

Amanda Duncan, whose late sister Zoe was allegedly raped by a Launceston General Hospital doctor, said the finalisation of the inquiry brought a sense of relief.

“I’m about to walk out of this building today and breathe the fresh air for the first time in 22 years. And I’m really sad Zoe didn’t get to experience this. I’d like to thank the commissioners for all they have done,” she said.

The Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings has held its final hearing in Hobart. Whistleblower Alysha. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ashley Youth Detention Centre whistleblower Alysha said the end of the inquiry brought mixed feelings.

Alysha urged the state government to take action on the commissioners’ recommendations.

“Personally I’ve been giving evidence for nearly three years and not a week has gone by without that being part of my life. I’m a little tired. I’m glad that we’ve got here … but it’s also scary for me that they will no longer be here,” she said.