Newcastle Mp Urges Royal Commission to "Shine Light" on Disturbing Allegations of Anglican Church Paedophile Rings

ABC News
November 20, 2015

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-20/newcastle-mp-urges-royal-commission-to-27shine-light27-on-dis/6958324

PHOTO: Newcastle MP, Sharon Claydon has urged the Royal Commission to 'shine light' on disturbing allegations of Anglican church paedophile rings. (Supplied: ALP)

MAP: Newcastle 2300

There has been shock and disbelief in the wake of an ABC investigation that has revealed alleged Anglican clergy abuse had links to powerful sectors of the Hunter's community.

Abuse allegations have gripped the diocese for almost a decade, culminating in the defrocking of several priests.

The ABC has revealed politicians, doctors, lawyers, teachers and business leaders are under investigation.

There is evidence alleged child sexual abuse within the Newcastle Anglican diocese stretched to the upper echelons of the church.

Federal Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said she is shocked.

"Absolutely devastated for the community of Newcastle and beyond," she said.

"Each of those professions that the allegations are around, these are all professions that people have traditionally instilled some faith and trust in and clearly that trust has been betrayed."

Ms Claydon said it appeared victims caught up in alleged Anglican peadophile rings had little hope, given the powerful people involved.

"This expose makes it very clear how extraordinarily difficult if at all possible for victims to really get the justice they deserved," she said.

"I think it is absolutely incumbent on the royal commission and all legal processes now to shine a huge light on this issue."