AUSTRALIA
Canberra Times
January 11, 2013
Bianca Hall
AN INVESTIGATIVE unit designed to prosecute sex offenders will be established as part of the royal commission on the sexual abuse of children due to begin later this year.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Families Minister Jenny Macklin will on Friday announce terms of reference for the commission, which will focus on ”systemic failures and issues” in the response of organisations and institutions to the abuse of children.
While royal commissions do not have the power to prosecute individuals, the government will ensure allegations of abuse raised by the commission can be investigated and, if proven, prosecuted.
Fairfax understands the terms of reference will require commissioners to establish a process for the referral of cases to the police.
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