Hope for action on Vic abuse report

VICTORIA'S parliamentary inquiry into child sex abuse should support the national work of the royal commission but must not wait for its findings to act, the state's child safety commissioner says.

Bernie Geary, who used his inquiry submission to urge an expansion of the working with children checks, has said there is a lot that can be done immediately to make Victorian children safer.

The inquiry's landmark report is due to be tabled on Wednesday after 12 months of submissions on the handling of child abuse by religious and other organisations, which began in October last year.

Mr Geary, along with victims' advocate Bryan Keon-Cohen, said the Victorian government must act swiftly by amending legislation and providing compensation to victims.

"There are things that Victorians can, and should do now, better to protect children," Mr Geary said.

He said the government should establish and fund a body that would assist organisations in reducing risks and responding to concerns.

He also said it was important to honour the courage of those who spoke out about abuse.

"Those people are incredibly courageous," Mr Geary told AAP.

"We need to honour their courage by ensuring they receive supported compensation."

The royal commission, which has a broader scope than the Victorian inquiry, could take years to reach its findings.

Victims and advocates will hold a "rally of hope" on the steps of parliament on Wednesday as the Victorian report is handed down.

Care Leaves Australia Network (CLAN) chief executive Leonie Sheedy said it will be a day of mixed emotions.

"It's great that this has been an inquiry into the churches and the charities but as we've said from the word 'go', what about the children in government-run orphanages?"

She said those who were abused in state-run institutions were not included in the inquiry.

"There are a lot of wards (of the state) who are suffering. There'll be quite mixed feelings tomorrow," Ms Sheedy said.

"Thank goodness we have the royal commission."

Victims are hoping for compensation, mandatory reporting laws and legislative reform that would allow organisations such as the Catholic Church - which has been accused of covering up abuse - to be sued.

It is also expected the report will recommend the state government create a new criminal offence "for ministers of religion who fail to report physical or sexual abuse of children by other clergy".

Anthony Foster, whose two daughters were abused by a priest - one later committed suicide - said the report could do very little for his family but he hoped to see other victims benefit.

"I look forward to seeing what is actually done about it," he said.

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