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	Best's Victims Push for Parliamentary Inquiry The Courier July 30, 2011 http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/bests-victims-push-for-parliamentary-inquiry/2242874.aspx BALLARAT victims of Christian Brother Robert Charles Best are pushing for a parliamentary inquiry into his and other Catholic priests and brothers sexual misconduct, in a move that has been welcomed by Ballarat East MP Geoff Howard. The Courier understands there are at least four victims who are pushing for the inquiry. Mr Howard said, based on his current knowledge of what happened, he was in support of a parliamentary inquiry into the time Best was a teacher at St Alipius Christian Brothers School in the 1960s and 70s. However, he said he would need to look into it more closely. “I am in favour of pursuing a parliamentary inquiry on face value,” Mr Howard said. “I am interested to follow up on the issue to see whether an inquiry is the best way of pursuing the matter. It’s a matter of following up on the best way to resolve the issue to support these people who have been violated.” Mr Howard said he had been in contact with some sexual assault victims years ago, but had not been in contact with any for some time. He encouraged victims to come forward to him in order to help pursue the inquiry. Catholic Bishop of Ballarat Peter Connors last night told the ABC’s Stateline program he would support and cooperate with any inquiry. Ballarat Detective Sergeant Kevin Carson who was involved in the investigation of Best said yesterday he was aware of a push for the inquiry. “I don’t know what is in the submission, but I have spoken to people putting it together and giving it to parliament,” he said. Detective Sergeant Carson said he was confident an appropriate decision would be made about the need for an inquiry. Best was found guilty earlier this year of one count of buggery, 24 counts of unlawful and indecent assault of boys aged under 16, and two counts of aggravated indecent assault. He will be sentenced on August 8.
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