Roxon Defends Abuse Commission Timeframe

By Dan Harrison
Brisbane Times
November 20, 2012

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/roxon-defends-abuse-commission-timeframe-20121120-29ncg.html

Attorney General Nicola Roxon has defended the tight timeframe for feedback on proposed arrangements for the Royal Commission on Child Sexual Abuse.

The government has allowed just one week for comments on a discussion paper it released late yesterday which sets out options for the commission's terms of reference and other details

Victims groups such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, have said the timeline is too tight.

But Ms Roxon defended the process, hinting the government would take a flexible approach to late submissions.

''I don't want the drafting of the terms of reference and the consultation to turn into a Royal Commission in itself,'' Ms Roxon told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

''It is a quite tight time frame.  I'm sure if there are particular reasons particular jurisdictions can't meet those timelines we will look sensibly at that. There are a vast number of stakeholders who want to be consulted. We are trying to do that quickly and simply. It may take longer than a week but that is where we're hoping to get the main amount of feedback in that time.''

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said she wants to finalise arrangements for the commission this year so it can begin work early next year.