Nsw Government Reforms Sentencing Laws on Child Sexual Abuse

By Emily Bourke
ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Radio
June 23, 2018

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/am/nsw-dodges-confessional-seal-in-child-abuse-sentencing-reforms/9902002

[AUDIO]

The New South Wales government has created new laws around sentencing and the criminal justice process in cases of child sexual abuse.

There will be tougher penalties for those who fail to report or protect against child abuse, and possible life sentences for abusers.

And legal loopholes that have made it hard for survivors to sue institutions will be closed off.

But the government is not moving on the vexed issue of breaking the Catholic seal of the confessional, saying it requires a national response.