30 May 2018
Statement from Royal Commission Chair Sir Anand Satyanand
I have filed a report with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Tracey Martin, about my many consultations with the
public on the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission on Historical Abuse in Care. These consultations began in
February and were supported by a public awareness programme seeking submissions from the public.
I received 400 submissions in writing, by phone and at face to face interviews. Half of the submissions were from
survivors of abuse or from people on behalf of survivors. Many came from institutions and entities with views to offer
such as the Law Societies, the Churches, and people professionally associated with social work.
I would like to thank everyone who shared their views on what the Terms of Reference should contain. I was impressed by
the thoughtfulness, wisdom and often the courage involved.
The report is now in the hands of the Minister and her officials. The release of my report is a matter for the Minister.
The next step is for Cabinet to agree on a final Terms of Reference the terms of which will be formally notified by the
Minister. At that time the names of the other Commissioners who will join me in the work will also be announced.
That information will be published in a Gazette Notice after which the Royal Commission can begin its principal work.