ourreference20124206.docVIP

Our reference: 2012/4206 Notice of Disposal Freeze: Records related to institutional responses to child sexual abuse To: All Commonwealth departments and agencies, all Commonwealth authorities, Commonwealth companies, other Commonwealth institutions and any other entity that holds Commonwealth records This document is to notify Australian Government agencies and other agents or people in possession of Commonwealth records (records) that I have imposed a disposal freeze on Commonwealth records that relate to child sexual abuse. The National Archives of Australia has determined that a disposal freeze is necessary to ensure that relevant records are protected and available for the purposes of the Royal Commission and any subsequent actions by the Australian Government, for future reference and accountability purposes and to protect the rights and entitlements of stakeholders. Background On 12 November 2012 the Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, announced the Australian Government’s intention to establish a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Australia (the Royal Commission). The Governor-General issued the Letters Patent and Terms of Reference establishing the Royal Commission on 11 January 2013. The Royal Commission will inquire into what can be done: to better protect children against child sexual abuse in the future; to achieve best practice in reporting on and responding to allegations; to eliminate and reduce impediments to responding appropriately to child sexual abuse; and to address and alleviate the impact of past and future child sexual abuse. It will also have regard to: the experience of people directly or indirectly affected by child sexual abuse; the need to focus on systemic issues, the adequacy and appropriateness of responses; and any changes to laws, policies, practices and systems that have improved the ability to better protect against and respond to child sexual abuse. Under its