More than 1000 abuse inquiry referrals

The child abuse royal commission has referred more than 1000 matters to police and other authorities.

The commission has completed its 5000th private session between a survivor and commissioner, which run alongside the inquiry's public hearings and policy development work.

It took place in Brisbane with a man in his 60s who told of being sexually abused as a child in out-of-home care in the 1960s.

CEO Philip Reed on Tuesday said many survivors have said sharing their story has helped with their healing process and every story helped the royal commission develop practical recommendations for change.

ABUSE ROYAL COMMISSION'S PRIVATE SESSIONS:

* Unique to this royal commission

* First held on May 7, 2013, in Sydney's Parramatta

* Accounts will be part of commission's final report, without identifying survivors

* Usually last an hour; conducted in small rooms or modest hotel rooms

* 5000 sessions conducted across Australia

* Also held for inmates in 31 correctional centres in NSW, ACT and Victoria.