Nsw Special Commission of Inquiry into Alleged Child Abuse in Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese Begins

By Neil Keene
Courier Mail
May 6, 2013

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/nsw-inquiry-into-alleged-child-abuse-in-maitland-newcastle-catholic-diocese-begins/story-e6freon6-1226635839562

Peter Fox spoke out about child sexual abuse in the Catholic church

THE Special Commission of Inquiry into alleged child abuse in the Catholic diocese of Maitland-Newcastle got under way this morning in Newcastle.

This inquiry was ordered by the NSW Government and differs from the federal government’s royal commission into institutionalised child sex abuse which began earlier this year.

The NSW inquiry was launched last year to investigate alleged abuse by senior church members, along with allegations the church helped cover up those offences.

It will also investigate why senior police officer Detective Inspector Peter Fox was ordered to halt his investigation into the allegations.

In her opening address, Commissioner Margaret Cunneen SC said the inquiry would last for almost a month, initially for 11 days and then at a second sitting in June and July.

Det Insp Fox will be first to give evidence. His evidence alone is expected to take two full days.

"Children are inherently vulnerable and innocent. The sexual abuse of children is abhorrent," Commissioner Cunneen said this morning.

"It exploits their vulnerability, irreparably damages their innocence and casts a shadow over their whole lives. It can be very difficult for children to break their silence about sexual abuse and, when they do, the collective responsibility to take action weighs heavily on all."

"When sexual abuse is committed by those in positions of trust and authority, it is even more abhorrent."

Pseudonyms will be used throughout the inquiry to protect victims and family members.