AUSTRALIA
lewisblayse.net
Lewis Blayse
The case of Cardinal Bernard Law, in the U.S., came to light through investigative journalism. Similarly, the Newcastle-Maitland problems saw the light of day ultimately through the investigative efforts of Fairfax journalist, Joanne McCarthy, of the Newcastle Herald. For this she was awarded the title of Australian Journalist of the Year.
This week she gave evidence to the New South Wales enquiry into clerical child sexual abuse. There, she said that “It was about having the victims and their families looked after…I didn’t want to go the police…I wanted the police to investigate… It was my only aim.”
It is almost impossible for an investigative journalist not to become part of the story. It is much easier to cover the local school fete and similar low-involvement stories. Ms. McCarthy is not a hack. By the time she had heard a few victim stories, she could not avoid seeing the story through to its natural conclusion.
Those who have heard victims tell their stories (for the first time for many of these victims), the effect can be profound. Those who might be inclined to be critical of her should bear this in mind. They should ask themselves – What would I have done?
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