Child Abuse Sex Inquiry: Bishop Paul Bird Denies As Many As 14 Ballarat Priests Involved in Abuse As Hearings Wrap up

By Peta Carlyon
Radio Australia
May 29, 2015

http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-05-29/child-abuse-sex-inquiry-bishop-paul-bird-denies-as-many-as-14-ballarat-priests-involved-in-abuse-as-/1453222

A bishop disputes figures at a royal commission hearing in Victoria that the diocese of Ballarat had at least 14 priests involved in child sexual abuse

Bishop Bird did not believe 14 priests were involved in the abuse. (Credit: ABC)

At least 14 priests in the diocese of Ballarat are the subject of complaints of child sexual abuse, a royal commission hearing in Victoria has been told.

However, that figure was disputed by Bishop Paul Bird who testified on the final day of hearings in Ballarat of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse.

Bishop Bird said while he does not know the actual figure, he does not think all of the complaints were substantiated.

"It's less than 14 ... maybe 12, maybe 10," he said.

Bishop Bird agreed there were clear divisions in the Ballarat community in relation to survivors of child abuse being encouraged to come forward.

"Some people don't think it's a good thing," he said.

Bishop Bird was asked if he believed it was important to encourage victims to speak up.

"I think it's important I take that lead, yes," he said.

Bishop Bird said he would be willing to increase payouts to victims to meet their needs and the church would "consider" the effect on their broader families.

He said he thought the focus had changed from protecting the perpetrator to caring for those who had been abused.

Ballarat Diocese finances 'not strong'

The Catholic Church's finances in the Ballarat diocese were "not strong", he said, and the diocese may need to look to other churches to help subsidize compensation payouts for victims of child abuse.

Bishop Bird said the diocese had established a $1 million fund for survivors, but he had "doubts" it would be enough to meet demand and had not yet made any approaches to other churches for money.

However he did acknowledge under questioning from senior counsel assisting Gail Furness SC, that the diocese did have access to a $100 million "development fund".

Bishop Bird was also asked about his role in reporting anyone who confessed to a crime.

"In my 40 years as a priest, no-one has ever confessed child abuse," he said.

He said it would be acceptable to report a crime if a child told him about it, but he would "have to think about it" if he was expected to report on a perpetrator who confessed.

Bishop denies making 'hurtful' comments

Survivor Andrew Collins alleged that in a 2013 meeting where he asked for financial assistance from the church, Bishop Bird told the victims their claims would be forgotten in future.

"In 30 or 40 years you people will all be dead," Mr Collins said, quoting Bishop Bird.

But in a witness statement to the inquiry, Bishop Bird denied the claims.

Flanked by church officials outside the hearing, Bishop Bird denied telling victims they were intent on destroying the church and said he was shocked by the accusations.

But he refused to answer questions from the media.

"Making such a comment to anyone, let alone a victim of sexual abuse would be extremely hurtful and I would not do so," he said in a statement.

Mr Collins said he was disappointed and angry about Bishop Bird's evidence and said it felt as though the church was "hoping we'll all just die and go away".

"For the community to heal, there needs to be total acceptance by the church," he said.

Bishop Bird's evidence finished off this hearing of the commission in Ballarat.

A second hearing is expected later this year.

Cardinal George Pell has indicated he is willing to travel in person to Ballarat to give evidence.