Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

While we cannot reverse the past, we can help the healing process and support child migrants in their search for their families. To support former child migrants the government will continue to provide funding for counselling services, family tracing support and other assistance as it has under former governments since 1990. This assistance occurs through the Child Migrants Trust, an independent organisation for former child migrants, their parents and their relatives. The trust is working with over a thousand people to rediscover their origins and deal with the legacy of their childhood experiences—really important work. In the 2008-09 budget $450,000 was provided over the next four years. We are also working with those who support the Forgotten Australians. We are funding the Alliance for Forgotten Australians and the Care Leavers of Australia Network to continue to support work for care leavers. They are small steps, but they are positive steps which demonstrate our commitment to offer practical and meaningful support. (Time expired)