AUSTRALIA
The Age
November 20, 2012
Michelle Grattan
THE federal government’s royal commission into child sexual abuse is expected to be the biggest inquiry held in Australia, involving thousands of victims and hundreds of organisations.
A government consultation paper sent to premiers on Monday flags that the massive investigation – lasting years and probing religious and secular organisations as well as government bodies – is set to facilitate victims making compensation claims and will be able to refer matters to the police as it goes along.
With this week’s Age/Nielsen poll showing 95 per cent support for the commission, the government is asking the states and stakeholders to provide written feedback by next Monday on the terms of reference and the inquiry’s form and timetable. The paper has also been sent to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, Greens leader Christine Milne, crossbenchers and stakeholders.
Asked about the poll result, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said her government would need to carefully handle the public’s high expectations.
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