O'farrell Orders Inquiry into Catholic Church Sex Abuse Investigations

By Imre Salusinszky
The Australian
November 9, 2012

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/ofarrell-orders-inquiry-into-catholic-church-sex-abuse-investigations/story-e6frg6nf-1226513826422

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has announced a special commission of inquiry into the way police handled allegations of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in the Hunter Valley, and whether the church interfered in police investigations.

The inquiry follows explosive allegations by NSW Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox that he was taken off the case after learning senior clergy had covered up abuse and establishing a close rapport with victims.

The special commission will be headed by barrister Margaret Cunneen, who as a crown prosecutor was responsible for a number of high-profile child sexual abuse cases.

There have been about 400 victims of child sexual abuse in the Newcastle area and 11 priests have been convicted since 1995.

Mr Fox detailed a number of horrific cases on ABC-TV's Lateline program last night, and alleged a bishop had lied to him about his knowledge of abuse.

Digital Pass $1 for first 28 Days

He has written to Mr O'Farrell requesting a royal commission into the church's handling of abuse allegations.

Mr Fox told Lateline he did not know why he was taken off the case in 2010 and asked to hand over his files.

"I have full confidence in Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and believe our police serve us with great integrity," Mr O'Farrell said in a statement.

"However, concerns have been raised about both the police handling of investigations as well as possible interference by the church in those investigations.

"These matters have been raised by a senior serving officer, and deserve to be fully investigated. I believe a Special Commission of Inquiry is the most appropriate way to do it."