Special Commission of Inquiry Findings into Sexual Abuse Delivered

By Matt Carr
Sydney Morning Herald
May 30, 2014

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/special-commission-of-inquiry-findings-into-sexual-abuse-delivered-20140530-399e4.html

''Victims (often appropriately called 'survivors') and family members have contributed enormously'': Margaret Cunneen.

Three of four reports from the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry's investigation into sexual abuse have been released on Friday, with a fourth remaining confidential "until any potential criminal proceedings have been determined".

The special commission presented its report to NSW Governor Marie Bashir on Friday after extensive hearings in 2013.

The inquiry covered conduct by clergy, particularly in the Maitland-Newcastle diocese, over knowledge of child sexual abuse by priests Denis McAlinden and James Fletcher.

The special commission explored "the extent to which those officials facilitated, assisted or otherwise hindered or obstructed" police investigations.

It also explored senior police's decision in December 2010 that Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox halt investigations into certain matters relating to the two priests.

Documents were sourced from the Holy See in Rome while victims of the priests also provided information on relevant interactions with church officials.

Commissioner Margaret Cunneen SC expressed her gratitude to those who assisted, particularly those who survived abuse and helped the commission's inquiries.

"Victims (often appropriately called 'survivors') and family members have contributed enormously to the work of the Commission," Commissioner Cunneen said.

"I will be forever grateful for their assistance and their willingness to let their voices be heard."

Ms Cunneen recommended deferring one of the four reports from the Commission "until any potential criminal proceedings have been determined" or a decision to avoid taking criminal action is made.

NSW Premier Mike Baird thanked Commissioner Cunneen for the body's efforts, which included more than 100 private hearings with witnesses and 100,000 pages of documentary material.

"I thank Commissioner Margaret Cunneen SC who conducted the inquiry, which was designed to ensure allegations surrounding child sexual abuse in the Hunter were fully investigated," NSW Premier Mike Baird said.

"The four volume report was delivered to the NSW Governor [on Friday] morning and the first three volumes have now been released by the NSW Government."

"The Commission has recommended that the fourth volume of the report remain confidential at this time."