State "Leads on Priests"

Bendigo Advertiser
May 9, 2014

http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/2270431/state-leads-on-priests/?cs=12

Victoria's move to require priests to gain accreditation to work with children should be considered nationally, Premier Denis Napthine says.

Victoria was taking a leadership role in addressing the issue, and it could set the tone of a national response, Dr Napthine said.

''I believe other states and jurisdictions will look at what we're doing to require ministers of religion to have a working with children check if they have any dealings with children and families,'' he said. ''I think other states and other jurisdictions should have a good hard look at it.''

A minister with children in their congregation, or who otherwise comes into contact with children as part of their duties, will be required to obtain the check.

The government will introduce the requirement as part of its response to the state's parliamentary inquiry into the handling of child abuse by religious and other organisations. The parliamentary committee's report said ministers of religion needed to have current working-with-children checks.

Meanwhile, community legal centres have criticised Victoria's new child sex abuse reporting requirements, saying vulnerable women could still be dragged before the courts.