'Father F' Inquiry Terms of Reference Released

By Stephen Jeffery
The Armidale Express
July 23, 2012

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/news/local/news/general/father-f-inquiry-terms-of-reference-released/2632844.aspx

The Bishops of Armidale and Parramatta have released the terms of reference of an independent inquiry into the management of sex abuse claims within the Catholic Church.

The inquiry, conducted by former Federal Court judge Antony Whitlam QC, is examining the management of sexual abuse allegations levelled at a former priest known as 'Father F'.

Father F served in the Armidale and Parramatta dioceses in the 1980s and early 1990s, during which he is alleged to have sexually abused several young boys.

In a joint media release by Bishop of Armidale Michael Kennedy and Bishop of Parramatta Anthony Fisher, it was revealed the inquiry will examine Father F's time as a priest, as well as the management of complaints made against him.

It will also investigate the nature of a meeting between Father F and senior members of the clergy in 1992 and evaluate "whether the action taken by each of the dioceses of Armidale and Parramatta in the management of Fr F was appropriate".