A core participant is a person who:

1. played, or may have played, a direct and significant role in relation to the matters to which the inquiry relates
2. has a significant interest in a substantial aspect of the matters to which the inquiry relates
3. may be subject to explicit or serious criticism during the inquiry or in the report

Participants, including survivors, agencies, faith-based institutions, and social service providers, can apply for core participant status at any time during the life of the inquiry. You can apply to be a core participant as an individual or as a representative of a group, organisation or body. The Royal Commission can also designate core participant status at any time, even if no application has been received.

Survivors do not need to apply for core participant status to be part of the Inquiry.

For some people, it will make sense to wait until a particular public hearing has been announced to apply for core participant status in relation to that hearing.

To apply to be a core participant, start by downloading the document below.