AUSTRALIA
9 News
West Australian Premier Colin Barnett says the state opposition’s response to his comments about the royal commission into child sex abuse was wrong and inappropriate.
Opposition child protection spokeswoman Sue Ellery called on the premier to apologise to victims of child abuse after he told ABC radio that the far-reaching national inquiry announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard last week could destroy institutions around the country.
Mr Barnett said he held grave concerns about the legacy the massive inquiry may leave on the organisations investigated and the victims involved.
The premier said he hoped the royal commission would achieve positive outcomes, “but I also fear for the negativity that could come out of it”.
“I think you will see many people’s lives destroyed. I think you will see many of Australia’s institutions – which may have been at fault – also destroyed, and great divisions in the community,” he told ABC radio.
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