Greens Back National Church Sex Inquiry

Adelaide Now
November 11, 2012

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/greens-back-national-church-sex-inquiry/story-e6frea7l-1226514620331

The Greens have backed an investigation into alleged child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Source: AAP

THE Australian Greens have joined a growing chorus demanding a royal commission be set up to investigate claims of child abuse in the Catholic Church.

Greens leader Christine Milne on Sunday said she would be urging the federal government to establish a national commission when the Senate resumes in just over a week.

A national response was needed to a national problem, as certain evidence or records about alleged crimes may be beyond the scope of a state inquiry, Senator Milne said.

Only the coercive powers of a royal commission would expose the "systematic failings" that have allowed the church to hide abuse for decades.

"How is it that senior clergy have been able to transfer priests and brothers to other schools, often interstate, rather than report alleged abuse to the police?" she said in a statement.

"The victims of abuse need this royal commission and whilst it will be painful, it is the victims who have been at the forefront of pursuing it."

She said there were many "wonderful, selfless people" in the church who deserved to have the "cloud that hangs over the church" removed by an investigation.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon on Saturday said allegations made by a senior NSW police detective about sex abuse in the church were so grave only a national royal commission could get to the truth.

Detective Inspector Peter Fox claims the church covers up for paedophile priests, silences investigations and destroys crucial evidence to avoid prosecution.

Leading child protection advocacy groups Bravehearts and the National Child Protection Alliance have also urged Prime Minister Julia Gillard to launch a federal inquiry.