Abuse Inquiry Terms Put on Hold

NEWS.com.au
December 21, 2012

http://www.news.com.au/news/abuse-inquiry-terms-put-on-hold/story-fnejlrpu-1226542001197

A DECISION on the terms of reference for the child sex abuse Royal Commission has been delayed until next year.

Attorney-General Nicola Roxon yesterday said the terms, expected this month, would not be ready until January as consultation with states and territories following the December COAG meeting continued.

The government is still conducting due diligence on a short list for the three to five commissioner roles and expects to announce the appointments in the new year.

``More than 800 individuals and organisations have provided input into the Terms of Reference so far and I would like to thank everyone for their valuable contributions,'' Ms Roxon said.

``This Royal Commission must have a clear focus, the best people and the resources necessary to identify how we can prevent these terrible failures from happening again.''

The commission, set up in November by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, will issue its initial report within 18 months, including any early recommendations _ such as for the final report deadline.

Ms Roxon said the people and services required to support the work of the Commission had been identified and recruitment had commenced.

The inquiry is being established to look into how child sex abuse allegations have been handled by religious, community and state institutions.