Your say on the Royal Commission child sex abuse inquiry

Sunshine Coast Daily
February 19, 2014

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/your-say-royal-commission-child-sex-abuse-inquiry/2175147/

MANY have been shocked by the revelations that have come from the Royal Commission's inquiry into child sex abuse at a Toowoomba Catholic primary school.

It has been revealed that the school's principal and other senior staff failed to follow protocol in dealing with students' claims they had been sexually abused by teacher and convicted pedophile Gerard Byrnes.

The former principal failed three times to report the sexual abuse allegations levelled against Byrnes.

During the past week, we have not allowed comments on Royal Commission hearing due to the sensitive nature of the issue. 

But now we want to know what you think?

>> Principal had three chances to report convicted pedophile

>> Toowoomba school thrust into child sex abuse spotlight

>> Dad feels guilt over daughter's sexual abuse by teacher

>> More resources needed for carers of our most vulnerable

>> Diocese accused of removing "hands down pants" abuse claim

>> Student protection officer did not know what grooming was

Have your say and we will publish your comments in The Chronicle later this week.

Some have already spoken out on The Chronicle's Facebook page:

Kim Brett Beveridge: "Thumbs down to principal Terrence Hayes for not acting sooner or reporting allegations of abuse to police. I hope the Toowoomba Catholic Diocese has learnt from this and changed their bureaucratic procedures in dealing with a pedophile teacher."

Erin Gilmore: " Thumbs down to the people at the school who stood back and let evil things happen whilst children were in their care. Many of these people (including the principal) continue to work within the Catholic school system. The child protection officer who claimed the kids did not have enough 'courage' to come forward still works at the school and the man who did these terrible things is only in jail for 10 years (not even a year per child he abused). Seems like a terrible failing of the school system, the justice system and humanity in general."

Graeme Stone: "Thumbs broken like the children's hearts by protecting the institution instead of them."

>> Let us know in the comment section below what you think of the facts that have been revealed at the Royal Commission and what should come out of the inquest,

How as a community does Toowoomba move forward from this shocking chapter in its history?

Just remember, do not post anything defamatory or privacy violating.