AUSTRALIA
ABC News
[with audio]
The revelation that one of the nation’s most senior priests deliberately ignored allegations of sexual abuse has been greeted with horror by victims groups. The startling admission came from the former head of the NSW Maitland-Newcastle diocese, retired Bishop Michael Malone. He’s giving evidence at the special commission of inquiry into the alleged cover-up of child sexual abuse in the diocese by priests.. and members of the state’s police force.
Transcript
SIMON SANTOW: The revelation that one of the nation’s most senior priests deliberately ignored allegations of sexual abuse has been greeted with horror by victims groups.
The startling admission came from the former head of the Maitland-Newcastle diocese in New South Wales, retired Bishop Michael Malone.
He’s giving evidence at the Special Commission of Inquiry into the alleged cover-up of child sexual abuse in the diocese by priests as well as by members of the state’s police force.
Eliza Harvey reports.
ELIZA HARVEY: The New South Wales inquiry is looking at whether the Church covered up the crimes of two paedophiles, Catholic priests Dennis McAlinden and James Fletcher, who served in the Newcastle-Maitland diocese.
It was commissioned after whistleblower Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox claimed that the Church – and New South Wales Police – tried to hinder the investigation into child abuse committed by the men.
Julia Lonergan SC is the counsel assisting the inquiry.
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