Call to Remove Sex Abuse Commissioner

The West Australian
April 15, 2013

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/16733090/call-to-remove-sex-abuse-commissioner/

The federal government has rejected a call for the removal of one of six royal commissioners investigating child sexual abuse.

A victims' support group is concerned commissioner Robert Fitzgerald may have a conflict of interest because of his 30-year association with the Catholic Church.

The International Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests says some victims are worried they will not be able to speak openly about their experiences in front of Mr Fitzgerald.

The group's Nicky Davis said the commissioner sat in some very prominent positions in Catholic organisations.

"It would be best if he resigned from the royal commission and was replaced with someone that does not have close ties to any organisation that's been involved in large scale child sexual abuse," she told ABC radio on Monday.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus backed Mr Fitzgerald's appointment, saying he was selected following very broad consultation and a rigorous selection process.

"The government has got every confidence that he will perform his duties with integrity and with professionalism," he said.