Nsw Govt Promises Abuse Inquiry Support

The Australian
November 28, 2012

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/nsw-govt-promises-abuse-inquiry-support/story-fn3dxiwe-1226525458198

The NSW premier promised his government's full co-operation with the inquiry into child sex abuse. Source: AAP

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell has promised his government's full co-operation with the royal commission into child sex abuse.

He says NSW won't seek any commonwealth funding for any costs associated with the state's involvement.

In a letter to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Mr O'Farrell says his government is "determined to do what we can to protect children from sexual abuse".

All NSW government agencies will accordingly give full co-operation to the royal commission, he has written.

The premier has also promised to ensure there are no limits or legal impediments to the commission hearing evidence, such as witness concerns about secrecy protection or defamation action in NSW.

Accordingly the NSW government, if asked by the commonwealth, will recommend the NSW governor approve letters patent for appropriate terms of reference in line with the royal commission's goals.

Mr O'Farrell said co-operation by NSW government agencies with the royal commission would mean significant costs in preparing submissions, producing documents and providing lawyers for agencies and individuals.

But it won't seek any commonwealth funding for its costs.

The premier said his government's commission of inquiry into child sex abuse in the Catholic Church in the Hunter region would feed into the royal commission's inquiry.

He said the report of the NSW commission, led by prosecutor Margaret Cunneen, was due in April and would be provided to the royal commission.

Mr O'Farrell said the royal commission should identify as soon as possible any necessary reforms to correct gaps in current institutional systems so that children would be further protected.

He said he had previously indicated his concern that the one-week consultation period for the establishment of the royal commission may not be adequate.

He urged the commonwealth to ensure interested parties were able to provide input.