AUSTRALIA
ABC News
A retired Appeals Court judge and prominent Anglican will chair an independent panel set up to advise the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic diocese on its response to a child abuse inquiry.
The Special Commission of Inquiry into child sexual abuse in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese was scathing of the Catholic Church’s handling of paedophile priests.
Commissioner Margaret Cunneen described evidence given by two senior Hunter priests Monsignor Allan Hart and Father William Burston as unimpressive.
Bishop Bill Wright stood both men down from advisory roles and said he would set up an Independent Advisory Panel to help him decide whether further action was necessary.
He has today announced retired judge Kenneth Handley QC will chair the panel.
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