AUSTRALIA
ABC – PM
MARK COLVIN: The bishop of Ballarat has told the royal commission the diocese may struggle to make compensation payments to all its victims of child sexual abuse.
But Paul Bird acknowledged that it could borrow money from a diocese fund which is worth $100 million.
The commission heard there had been at least 130 claims made against 14 local priests between 1980 and now.
Samantha Donovan reports.
SAMANTHA DONOVAN: The Catholic Bishop of Ballarat Paul Bird acknowledges that when it comes to clerical sexual abuse his community is divided.
PAUL BIRD: Yes, there are quite a few divisions I would say and people have sometimes quite different reactions. Those of course who would be directly hurt, those who, certainly those who’ve been offended against and their families would really feel the crimes that have been done. Others who may be more distant from that might not see the real, the full impact, or not appreciate it.
SAMANTHA DONOVAN: Paul Bird has been the bishop of Ballarat since 2012.
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