Royal Commission into Child Sexual abuse: Maitland-Newcastle Catholic bishop backs federal help for victims

By Joanne Mccarthy
Newcastle Herald
November 4, 2015

http://www.theherald.com.au/story/3469313/bishop-backs-federal-help-for-victims/

Bishop Bill Wright.

MAITLAND Newcastle Catholic Bishop Bill Wright has strongly backed Federal Government involvement in a national redress scheme for victims of child sexual abuse in institutions.

‘‘It is a great national concern that we get this right, for the sake of all who were abused as children in Australian institutions,’’ Bishop Wright said on Wednesday after a Turnbull Government undertaking to carefully consider the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendation for a national scheme.

The NSW Government and the federal opposition have already backed the scheme, where institutions in which abuse occurred would provide billions of dollars to support and compensate victims.

‘‘The involvement of the federal government, however, would be to ensure that victims receive fair and equal treatment, regardless of which state jurisdiction they live in or which institution was responsible when the abuse occurred,’’ Bishop Wright said.

‘‘As I have previously stated, I strongly support and advocate the Royal Commission’s proposal for a national redress scheme, as does the Catholic Church through its Truth, Justice and Healing Council and most victim/survivor groups of which I am aware.’’