Religious Ministers to Undergo Checks under Victorian Government Reform
By Matt Johnston
ALL religious ministers will have working with children’s checks and there will be new standards for organisations dealing with youth under a $10 million State Government reform. Premier Denis Napthine revealed the changes, which are a further response to the Victorian Parliament’s inquiry into child abuse titled Betrayal of Trust. That groundbreaking report has already led to new anti-grooming laws, and laws making it an offence to hide reports of abuse. Dr Napthine said the latest measures, which will cost $10 million over four years, will further enhance child protection. He paid tribute to the victims of abuse who shared their traumatic experiences during the inquiry. “As a result of your courage, the community can now better see and understand how far-reaching and devastating the consequences of childhood abuse can be,” he said. Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said most of the $10 million would go to the Commission for Children and Young People, led by Bernie Geary. She said the Commission would keep tabs on a new “reportable conduct scheme” which would apply to organisations with a high level of responsibility for children. Under the changes, all Victorian schools will have to have strict policies for responding to allegations of child abuse. The government is also moving to make it easier for victims of abuse to sue organisations. The Betrayal of Trust report recommended changing statute of limitations provisions in civil laws to stop organisations hiding behind time limits on redress. Attorney-General Robert Clark said the laws were very complex, but the Government was committed to changing them to stop organisations hiding from allegations. Options for incorporating organisations such as churches are also being examined, which would allow victims to sue for compensation.
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