George Pell Controversy: Pursuit of Cardinal Hindering Royal Commission

By Jack The Insider
The Australian
February 19, 2016

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This week, Andrew Bolt wrote a column describing Cardinal George Pell as the victim of a witch hunt. Andrew would know he and I rarely agree but in this case, we are of like mind.

I must say there is one point of disagreement. In his article, he wrote: “It has also asked Pell to give evidence three times — more than any other witness — in what is now becoming a punishment by process.”

This is not right. The Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane, Phillip Aspinall has given evidence to the Royal Commission on four occasions, his most recent stint in the witness box concluding less than a fortnight ago. The Royal Commission is simply doing what it is charged to do.

It is outside the Commission’s jurisdiction where there are grave concerns.

I would argue that it is more of a lynch mob than a witch hunt but ultimately it doesn’t matter what opinions Bolt, myself or anyone else hold for that matter. Tim Minchin wrote and performed a song urging Pell in rather spectacularly obnoxious fashion to return to Australia and give evidence. I understand the anger of victims but I am struggling to see how casual observers like Minchin are contributing anything positive to the issue. Opinion has no place. Establishing facts and building evidence are all that count.