ABC News
August 13, 2011
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-13/catholic-abuse-inquiry-to-be-considered/2837804
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| Christian Brother Robert Best was sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually abusing young boys. (ABC TV) |
The Victorian Attorney-General says he hopes to make a decision on whether to hold an inquiry into sexual abuse at Catholic schools in coming weeks.
Christian Brother Robert Best, 70, was jailed this week for 14 years for abusing 11 boys at Victorian Catholic schools.
His victims want State Parliament to investigate the church's handling of sex abuse complaints.
Attorney-General Robert Clarke told ABC's 7:30 Victoria he is still building the case for an inquiry, but it will ultimately be a decision for cabinet.
"Clearly there have been some very horrific examples of abuse, particularly for the experience of young boys who told people in authority - their parents or others - and just weren't believed," he said.
"So clearly there's been a lot of appalling things that have taken place. What needs to be assessed is how that would fit in the context of any inquiry that were held here."
But Mr Clarke says he is receiving advice on the issue.
"I'm certainly taking the issue seriously, I'm not in a position to rule anything in or anything out," he said.
"But I'm wanting to take all the factual and legal information on board and then I'll be in a position to give an account to Government, on which Government can make a decision."
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