SYDNEY (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has delivered a formal apology to the country's victims of child sex abuse, saying the nation must acknowledge their long and painful journey, and say sorry.

Morrison's speech in Parliament on Monday was heard by hundreds of abuse survivors and followed a long-running Royal Commission investigation into institutional responses to child sexual abuse.

Morrison said it was time for Australia as a nation to "confront our failure to listen, to believe, and to provide justice," adding "we say sorry."

Lawmakers stood for a minute of silence following the apology.

The government has also announced plans to create a national museum and research center to raise awareness and understanding of the impact of child sexual abuse.