The government has reaffirmed its commitment to an independent inquiry into the sexual abuse of those in state care.

The news comes as survivors of abuse call for an investigation similar to Australia's Royal Commission.

"It's a very difficult thing to face, it's a painful moment in a country's history to acknowledge those past injustices," Patrick O'Leary from the Australian Royal Commission said.

Judge Carolyn Henwood, heard from over 1000 New Zealand victims in her seven years on the confidential listening service.

"We need something independent because we haven't yet got accountability and we haven't got a pathway forward for the future as to how we're going to give an access to justice," she said.

A straight forward message coming from abuse survivor Jim Goodwin.

"We have to do this, as a country we have to do this."

This article on TVNZ here >>