Hang Your Heads in Shame, Denis Napthine Tells Catholic Leaders

By Hannah Jenkins
The Australian
November 13, 2013

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/hang-your-heads-in-shame-denis-napthine-tells-catholic-leaders/story-e6frgczx-1226759110593?sv=48973b7d9f63adaa7ec52adb2b557

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine has criticised the Catholic church for decades of concealing child sex abuse.

VICTORIAN Premier Denis Napthine has condemned the culture of the Catholic Church in The Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into religious child sex abuse.

Dr Napthine said the Catholic Church had failed in its duty to protect the welfare of young children who had suffered in the hands of people they had every right to trust.

"The leaders of the Catholic Church should hang their heads in shame," he said.

Dr Napthine criticised the Catholic Church for decades of concealing abuse and not taking action against the perpetrators responsible.

"The culture seemed to be putting the interests of the church and its priests ahead of the interests of children and victims, and that is totally and utterly wrong,' he said.

"I'm ashamed and embarrassed of the actions of the Catholic Church or lack of actions on these matters."

The Victorian government is due to respond to the report in 6 months however, it will commence drafting legislation immediately to implement the key recommendations.

"We have heard those voices and we will not let them down, we will act and act immediately to protect children in Victoria," he said.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said he will support the government to ensure the recommendations are acted upon swiftly.

"This is an opportunity for us to send a message in the strongest possible terms that we will not tolerate this sort of culture and cover up," he said.

"This is a deeply sad chapter in our states history."