Hunter Church Abuse Inquiry Moves to Next Phase

ABC News
June 28, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-29/hunter-church-sex-inquiry-moves-to-next-phase/4789300?§ion=news


The police whistleblower who sparked an inquiry into an alleged cover-up of abuse in the Hunter Valley's Catholic Church says he is glad the first half of the probe is over.

It examined Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox's claims police tried to cover-up allegations of abuse by two priests.

Newcastle Local Area Commander Superintendent John Gralton rejected the claims, yesterday revealing he was particularly keen to see clergy investigated because he was abused by his school priest.

Stage two gets underway on Monday and will investigate claims the church protected paedophile clergy.

Peter Fox says it has been a tough three weeks of public hearings.

"Nothing comes as a surprise," he said.

"I realise that I'm not on the Christmas card list of everybody on the police force.

"My actions haven't endeared me to certain quarters but I knew that from the start, that didn't surprise me.

"But yeah, I'm glad that part of it is behind us."