Child Abuse Royal Commission: Peter Hollingworth's Apology in Full

Brisbane Times
November 13, 2015

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/child-abuse-royal-commission-peter-hollingworths-apology-in-full-20151113-gkyrto.html

Former governor general Dr Peter Hollingworth fronts the royal commission. Photo: Supplied

The former governor-general and ex-Archbishop of Anglican Diocese of Brisbane, Dr Peter Hollingworth, was one of the final witnesses to appear in the two-week Brisbane hearing of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse. Here is his apology.

This is an apology to the survivors of abuse. I have asked to make an apology before I give evidence to the Royal Commission. I do so, Your Honour, as an individual person and as a former archbishop. My apology is to the children, now adults, and the families of those who have been abused. It's offered to all of you who have suffered great pain and become disillusioned that your complaints were not dealt with from the outset as they should have been.

I am appalled by the abuse you suffered at the hand of the two school staff members from St Paul's School. I am saddened about the way these matters were dealt with during my time as archbishop.

Dr Peter Hollingworth questions at the commission. Photo: Supplied

I deeply regret that I did not press harder to have your complaints investigated more rigorously. If I had exercised stronger authority, they may have been addressed more promptly and in a better manner.

It's clear to me now that we did not do enough to help you, and the actions of the Diocese and the school compounded your distress and suffering, and for that I am very sorry.

Over the past 12 years, I have examined my conscience over these matters and I have read and learnt a great deal more about the damage done to the lives of young people.

Dr Peter Hollingworth in the stand. Photo: Supplied

I now understand far more about the negative and lasing impacts that can resurface through a person's adult life and the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on the survivors.

The more I have learnt about the long-term effects on the survivors of sexual abuse, the better I understand the importance of how the complaints are dealt with. I am saddened and regret that your needs were not addressed as they should have been.

Our young people have the right to go through life trusting that adults, charged with nurturing and caring for them, will never cause them harm. Too many children have had their trust destroyed and as a result endure a lifetime of suffering. I am extremely sorry that that church and I failed to protect you.

And thank you.