Abuse victims deserve change: Shorten

Australians sexually abused as children while in the care of institutions deserve real change in their lives and in the law, Bill Shorten says.

The opposition leader expressed the sentiment while apologising to tens of thousands of Australians whom he says were failed by their country.

"Our nation let you down," Mr Shorten told parliament on Monday after Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a national apology to victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

"We are sorry for every childhood stolen, every life lost. We are sorry for every betrayal of trust, every abuse of power.

"We are sorry it has taken so long to say these words."

Hundreds of survivors went to Canberra to hear the apology for the abuse that was exposed in a royal commission.

Mr Shorten said the day was a result of those who had come forward to share what they had experienced.

"You told strangers and people in power of the most terrifying moments in your memory," he said.

"But it was never for yourself, never for your own sake.

"You relived your pain in the royal commission for the next generation of Australian children."

The Labor leader said he understood the scepticism of some that words were cheap.

"You have fought for and earned more than words. You deserve real change, in your lives and the law, and for the kids in the future," he said.

"It means improving the lives of children now."

The measure of the apology would not be known now but in the months and years to come, Mr Shorten said.

"It should be this day that people say there was a redoubled commitment to action."