Tjhc Supports Call from Survivor Group for National Child Sexual Abuse Compensation Scheme

By Truth Justice and Healing Council
Christian Today
February 12, 2014

http://au.christiantoday.com/article/tjhc-supports-call-from-survivor-group-for-national-child-sexual-abuse-compensation-scheme/16841.htm

CEO of the Catholic Church’s Truth Justice and Healing Council, Francis Sullivan, has this morning supported calls by the child sexual abuse support and advocacy organisation, CLAN, for a national child sexual abuse compensation scheme funded by churches and other institutions.

Mr Sullivan said the Council had late last year written to the Attorneys-General of the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments calling on them to start work on a national compensation scheme – with no caps – for victims of child sexual abuse.

“So far we have had positive discussions with the offices of the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Government’s with further meetings planned in the months ahead,” Mr Sullivan said.

“We are asking governments around Australia to consider a national scheme with consistent investigative powers and compensation payments which would be funded by the organisations and institutions responsible for the abuse.

“A national compensation scheme, funded by the Church and other organisations and with no caps on payments, is an important first step in taking away from institutions, such as the Catholic Church, the role of investigating complaints and determining compensation for victims.

“The Truth Justice and Healing Council fully supports the call by the Executive Officer of CLAN, Leonie Sheedy, for a national compensation scheme and would welcome the opportunity to work with the group to see it achieved as soon as possible,” he said.