Clergy Sex Abuse Survivors Call for Pension Plan

ABC News
November 8, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-08/clergy-sex-abuse-survivors-call-for-pension-plan/5078210

A group representing Ballarat survivors of clergy sexual abuse is meeting a Federal Government minister today to discuss improving support services.

Abuse survivor Andrew Collins represents a group of more than 80 survivors and is meeting the Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews, in Melbourne today.

Mr Collins is calling for an increased pension for abuse survivors, similar to a disability pension for people suffering from post-traumatic stress and depression as a result of their abuse.

He says being granted a meeting with Minister is a significant step in lobbying for survivors' rights.

"It is, it is. It shows that we're being listened to and that's a positive step," he said.

"It's one thing to have a voice but you only have that voice when someone listens."