Protect All Children Today (PACT) 40th Anniversary Annual Forum Official Opening

Protect All Children Today Chair, Ms Melanie Mayne-Wilson and Directors of the Board; CEO, Mr Chris McCarthy and PACT volunteers from across Queensland, good morning. 

I begin by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning. 

As the Patron of Protect All Children Today, it is wonderful to be able to join you this morning for your 40th anniversary annual forum and acknowledge the vital role each of you plays in supporting children and adult victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice system in Queensland. 

When PACT was founded in 1985, its mission was clear: to ensure that children who found themselves in the justice system were not left to navigate the daunting experience alone. 

Since then, PACT has expanded its remit to include victims and witnesses of all ages who need such support. 

Today, PACT is recognised as a trusted voice and a vital presence in courtrooms, with you – as its volunteers - helping to demystify legal processes and provide much needed practical and emotional support to victims and witnesses. 

Whether you have helped clients with their victim impact statements, accompanied them to police interviews, sat with them during court proceedings, or made necessary referrals to other support services, please know that every one of your gestures has deeply mattered. 

You have helped to reduce the anxiety and psychological trauma that can be associated with trial proceedings, and provided much needed reassurance to those fearful of giving evidence. 

Through your amazing efforts as volunteers, you have touched the lives of so many vulnerable Queenslanders for the better, bringing hope, dignity and compassion when they needed it most, and for that we are truly grateful.  

On this, your 40th anniversary, I extend my heartfelt thanks to every board member, staff member, volunteer and supporter who has been involved in PACT.  Your collective efforts are helping to shape a safer and fairer Queensland. 

It is now my pleasure to declare the “40th anniversary annual forum” of Protect All Children Today officially open.  

I trust you will enjoy the forum and each other’s company over the next two days.