Journalist Hopes Inquiries Will Restore Faith in Church

ABC News
June 26, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-26/journalist-hopes-inquiries-will-restore-faith-in-church/4780530

Fairfax journalist Joanne McCarthy outside the Special Commission in Newcastle

The journalist who helped trigger a New South Wales inquiry into sexual abuse in the Hunter Valley's Catholic Church hopes it will expose how badly the victims have been treated.

Late yesterday, Fairfax journalist Joanne McCarthy finished giving evidence at the special commission which is underway in Newcastle.

The inquiry is looking at Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox's claims that the police force and the church tried to cover-up abuse by two priests.

Ms McCarthy's reporting on clergy abuse in the region has won her a national journalism award and helped trigger the state probe as well as the national Royal Commission.

She says too many victims have been mistreated by church officials.

"That's why it was such an extraordinary relief last year when the Royal Commission was announced because the reality of what they (the victims and their families) have had to deal with is going to be known," she said.

Ms McCarthy says the local Catholic community and the broader community have had to change how they view the Church.

"We should be able to look up to the church," she said.

"The hope is that with these inquiries, that we will be able to do that at some point."

It is expected Peter Fox's superior, Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Humphrey, will be back in the witness box first up this morning, followed by Detective Inspector Graeme Parker.