Call to Widen Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse

The Australian
January 3, 2013

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/call-to-widen-inquiry-into-child-sex-abuse/story-fn3dxiwe-1226546846599

THE scope of the royal commission into child sex abuse should be extended to include physical assault and neglect, child welfare advocates say.

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect says the scope of the royal commission needs to be broadened because it is inequitable.

According to The Australian newspaper, the group wants Prime Minister Julia Gillard to expand the terms of reference of the commission to include all forms of abuse against children by churches, institutions and government.

The newspaper reports the call has split child welfare advocates, with some arguing it would mean the commission would go on for years, making it harder to get "concrete recommendations".

The federal government last year announced the royal commission to investigate child abuse in Australia, including in the Catholic Church.

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It follows claims abuse by clergy was covered up by Catholic Church hierarchy in Victoria and NSW.