More than 15,000 survivors or their relatives have contacted the commission.

They say it is now time for action and for each of the 409 recommendations made by the commissioners to be implemented.

Chris Pianto, Geelong

Chris Pianto says it's time for action. Photo: Darrian Traynor

Chris Pianto remembers tears of joy streaming down his face when then-prime minister Julia Gillard announced the royal commission five years ago.

He'd shot himself in the leg 25 years earlier to draw attention to his abuse at the hands of his teacher at St Joseph's College after his case was dropped due to insufficient evidence.

"I was at breaking point I just wanted somebody to listen," he said.

Now, he said there is finally light at the end of tunnel.

"It's been a bloody long time and there have been a lot of words spoken but now we need action," Mr Pianto said.

"There have been too many suicides unaccounted for that are linked to child sexual abuse by clergy.

"At last, I feel that the law has caught up with the culprits and they're finally being held accountable."

Often, he said, the stories of other survivors were so gut-wrenchingly similar, it was as if they were each holding a mirror to one another.

"I look into their eyes and see myself years ago," he said.

"I was on the brink of suicide. There are people still coming to terms with happened and those survivors and their families support but there is hope, it can get better, when you reach out for help."

Phil Nagle, Ballarat

'This is validation for them', said Phil Nagle of his 12 dead schoolmates. Photo: Jason South

It's been a harrowing journey for Ballarat clergy sexual abuse survivor Philip Nagle who praised the commission with vindicating victims and finally holding institutions to account for their crimes against children.

Mr Nagle was repeatedly sexually assaulted by disgraced Christian Brother Stephen Farrell while he was a grade five pupil at St Alipius Christian Brothers Primary School.

As the commission handed down its final report Mr Nagle was thinking of his 12 fellow schoolmates who have killed themselves or died prematurely from substance abuse - out of a class of 33.

"I think my classmates would be very proud of me for speaking out," Mr Nagle said.

"They aren't here to see this, but this is validation for them.

"We all suffered at the hands of these men and their deaths have only made me fight harder to stop these crimes and ensure all victims of sexual abuse are given the compassion and support they need, to stop the deaths."

Mr Nagle said it was now incumbent upon the federal government and the Catholic Church to ensure each recommendation of the royal commission is implemented.

"This is not about compensation, this is about stopping crimes against children," he said.

"The church have known about this for hundreds of years but they've done nothing to stop it. The pain stops here."

Rhonda Janetzki, Wodonga

Rhonda ??Janetzki says it's up to the government to "ensure we aren't forgotten about again".

Rhonda Janetzki was sexually, physically and psychologically abused during her time at the long-closed Albury St John's Orphanage, which was operated by the Sisters of Mercy.

Ms Janetzki said fast-tracking national redress of all victims of sexual abuse was critical and must include counselling as well as comprehensive healthcare subsidies and a Medicare "gold card".

"We've finally been given a voice but it's up to the government to ensure we aren't forgotten about again," she said.

Ms Janetzki said she still often wondered how her life would have turned out had her childhood been different.

"We were abused and dragged through orphanages without ever being taught the basics like learning to read or write," she said.

"For the rest of our lives we've struggled, we've been treated like the lowest common denominator. It all has to change."

Leonie Sheedy from Care Leavers' Australasia Network said the inquiry had been "world-class," but now the all findings must be acted upon.

"We feel elated and encouraged that those commissioners have carried the weight of our abuse and neglect," Ms Sheedy said.

"They've listened, believed, validated, and acknowledged what happened to us

"The commissioners will hold a very special place in our hearts until the day we die.

"The commission has carried the burden of our stories now that burden has shifted to the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

It is now up to him and the federal government to act."

Survivors' lawyer and advocate Judy Courtin praised the commission's recommendations including a national approach to child safety, an independent legal service for victims and equal access to the civil courts.

But she said that victims were anxious that they might have to to fight again to get the inquiry recommendations put into law.

"We have reached the end of part one of the journey," she said.

"Part two is now about putting extraordinary pressure on federal, state and territories and institutions to commit to implementing every single recommendation.

"Institutions need to start putting their money with their mouth is.

The Catholic Church's Truth Justice and Healing Council chief executive Francis Sullivan called on the Prime Minister and state premiers to immediately set up a committee to implement the inquiry's recommendations.

"What now needs to be made clear by the Church leadership is that they take these recommendations and findings seriously and that they are willing to act swiftly in implementing the findings," he said.

National Children's Commissioner Megan Mitchell said the lasting legacy of the commission must be to protect the rights of children and place their safety at the heart of decision making.

"We know that some lost their lives before their stories were heard," Ms Mitchell said.

"Now should be a time for healing and for doing what must be done to enable that healing. It is also a time to act on the lessons we have learned."

If you are troubled by this report or experiencing a personal crisis, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au