AUSTRALIA
Brisbane Times
November 17, 2012
Cardinal George Pell
To the surprise of some, the Catholic bishops of Australia welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of a royal commission into child sexual abuse.
Australians believe in justice and there is a strong feeling that justice has been denied to victims of sexual abuse. Justice is also owed to the individuals and institutions working to prevent sexual abuse and helping victims and their families.
I welcome the royal commission because it will help victims and help to clear the air. Victims have an absolute right to justice and I am pleased that they have welcomed the royal commission.
It might be helpful to clarify some important points from last week.
Some proposed an inquiry into only the Catholic Church. I opposed this for the simple reason that there is no evidence to suggest abuse is confined to the Catholic Church. I welcome the fact that the commission will consider the problem more broadly across all Australian institutions. If we are serious about tackling this scourge in our society, this is the right thing to do.
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