"Stop Stalling" Call on Church Sex Abuse Probe

By Barney Zwartz
The Age
March 10, 2012

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/stop-stalling-call-on-church-sex-abuse-probe-20120309-1upwb.html

THE state government must stop stalling over an independent inquiry into the Catholic Church's handling of sexual abuse and hold one ''immediately'', victims and advocates said yesterday.

Last October Attorney-General Robert Clark was able to defer several separate demands for an independent inquiry by asking Justice Philip Cummins to consider some questions as part of his inquiry into vulnerable children in Victoria. His report, released last week, unequivocally urged a specific inquiry.

Advocate and author Chrissie Foster said victims were being re-abused, bullied and paid a pittance under the Catholic Church's own processes. Only an independent inquiry could give victims a true sense of justice.

Ms Foster, who has written a book about the abuse of two of her daughters, said she suspected the church had too much influence at the highest levels of politics. ''I don't think [the Catholic hierarchy] have it in their heart to change. They are still dodging for cover and hiding,'' she said.

Yesterday Bryan Keon-Cohen, QC, said the inquiry was needed ''forthwith, immediately. It is an urgent matter which is causing continuing personal and economic damage throughout the community.''

Mr Keon-Cohen is chairman of COIN (Commission of Inquiry Now), a representative group formed last month. Its members include victims, crime consultants, representatives of many support groups, lawyers, priests, psychologists, academics, child welfare workers and others.

Asked why the government was stalling, Mr Keon-Cohen said: ''You should ask them. It's perceived to be not important enough or too large and difficult, and they are probably under pressure from the church, and perhaps they think it's too expensive for the social and economic return. They are wrong on all counts.''

Leonie Sheedy, chief executive of Care Leavers Australia Network (CLAN), which represents wards of state, said: ''I keep telling the Attorney-General, we need to lance this sore and let the pus flow. People need a chance to unburden their hearts about the neglect and abuse.''

The Saturday Age is aware of at least six separate requests last year for an independent inquiry. Sydney University law professor Patrick Parkinson, a leading child protection expert, called for an inquiry into the Salesians' handling of child-sex cases; a group of more than 30 victims called for an inquiry into the Melbourne Archdiocese's complaints system; lawyer Vivian Waller sought an investigation of clergy abuse in Ballarat that led to at least 35 suicides; CLAN requested an inquiry into abuse of wards of state in homes run by the state, church and charities; Victorian Labor MP Ann Barker called for an inquiry similar to the one by the Irish government; and Mr Keon-Cohen led a delegation to Mr Clark in November.

A spokesman for Mr Clark said yesterday the government was considering the recommendation and a decision would be announced as soon as possible.