State Government Starts Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse

By Tim Michell
Waverley Leader
April 17, 2012

waverley-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/state-government-starts-investigation-into-child-sexual-abuse/

THE State Government has launched an investigation into child sexual abuse within religious and non-government organisations.

Premier Ted Baillieu and Attorney-General Robert Clark announced the inquiry today following a police investigation that launched several suicides to sexual assaults by priests.

"It is clear that there have been a substantial number of established complaints of sexual abuse of children by those who have taken advantage of positions of authority," Mr Clark said.

"This abuse has had traumatic consequences for victims and their families."

The inquiry will be conducted by the bipartisan Family and Community Development Committee of Parliament.

It is due to report by 30 April, 2013.

Mr Clark said the inquiry would consider the allegations of criminal abuse of children of religious and other non-government organisations.

The announcement comes after Leader reported the struggle of Oakleigh parents Chrissie and Anthony Foster to get an official investigation following the abuse of two of their children by a priest.