The government has announced when it will deliver the national apology to survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse: 22 October.
There are only 800 places, with 400 going to organisations that support survivors, and the other 400 open to a ballot. A website has been created for people to join the ballot for places at the National Apology
The National Apology will pay tribute to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, many of whom have so bravely shared their stories through the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, with the aim of ensuring the shameful practices are never repeated in the future.
To encourage attendance from across Australia, a national ballot process will be conducted to allocate seats in the Great Hall of Parliament House and provide travel assistance, where required. Victims, survivors and others personally affected by institutional child sexual abuse are encouraged to register their interest in attending the National Apology through the ballot process.
Approximately 400 places will be available through the ballot and another 400 will be made available directly to organisations that support survivors and others affected by institutional child sexual abuse.
Additional viewing areas at Parliament House will also be open to the community on the day and the event will be televised nationally.
The Prime Minister is writing to all Premiers and Chief Ministers encouraging them to hold their own viewing events to coincide with the National Apology, to allow for the participation of those who cannot be in Canberra.
To enter the ballot, an online form can be completed and submitted via the National Apology website www.nationalapologyconsultation.gov.au by midnight on Tuesday, 25th September 2018.
Those requiring assistance to complete the form or who wish to complete it over the phone, can call the National Apology Information Line on 1800 604 604 (open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm AEST, during the ballot process). Further information about the ballot process can be found at www.nationalapologyconsultation.gov.au
