FDS Insight Magazine Nov - Dec 2022

39 for us to tell our stories, then promptly deleted any stories shared on their apology post that would paint them in a negative light. ‘Hearing the news of this parliamentary inquiry gives me a sense of relief, and a sense of hope. I am so thankful that the minister has taken our stories and experiences seriously, and I am so thankful for those in the media who have helped us to get the attention that has made this possible. I am daring to hope that maybe as a result of this inquiry, legislation is put in place that will reform the way rehabilitation centres and therapeutic communities are accredited and run. So that people seeking help are not traumatised further, but can find the help they seek, and be free.’ The focus of the state government inquiry is likely to fall on how the alleged abuse went undetected for so many years, while state bodies covering corrective services, juvenile justice and community services placed girls under the care of the foundation. At the same time, founder Patricia Lavater was feted by government and business groups and wooed donors with inspiring stories of girls whose lives were transformed by the Esther program. Crikey has since been told that Lavater carefully curated the words the girls said publicly. The federal government also has serious questions to answer on its support for the Esther Foundation. Why did then-home affairs minister Peter Dutton sign off on a $630,000 grant to the foundation for a ‘security upgrade’ in the weeks before the 2019 election? Why did the government approve a separate $4 million grant, in a matter of weeks, before the 2019 election? And what advice did the federal Health Department give to minister Greg Hunt who apparently approved the grant in time for Morrison to make an announcement? The federal Health Department weeks ago told Crikey that it made its risk assessment on the Esther Foundation known to Hunt’s office before the multimillion dollar grant was approved. Last weekend the department provided a statement to Channel Ten’s Sunday Project that it was aware of the allegations raised in the media and that it was working with the Esther Foundation through the Department of Social Services Community Grants Hub ‘to ensure the objectives of the funding agreement are delivered’. But what did the Health Department know? And what did it tell the Morrison government? Family Drug Support website www.fds.org.au For up-to-date information on support and activities