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Saturday May 25, 2013

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Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces a Royal Commission into child sex abuse

Posted by: Ellen Feely | 12 November, 2012 - 6:13 PM
Julia Gillard

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced a Royal Commission into child sex abuse within religious organisations, non-religious organisations and state care.

3AW presenters Neil Mitchell and Derryn Hinch were among the chorus of calls for Ms Gillard to act.

At a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra this afternoon, Ms Gillard said a Royal Commission was the best way to ensure victims of child sex abuse had 'their voices heard and claims investigated'.

"I commend the victims involved for having the courage to speak out," Ms Gillard said.

"I believe we must do everything we can to make sure that what has happened in the past is never allowed to happen again."

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has issued a statement saying those who wish to be kept advised on the establishment of the Royal Commission, or those who would like their details pass onto the Secretariat of the Royal Commission can telephone 1800 099 340 or email royalcommissionsecretariat@pmc.gov.au.

An announcement on the proposed Commissioner and detailed terms of reference will be made in coming weeks.

Derryn Hinch, who championed calls for a Royal Commission, congratulated Ms Gillard on her move, but said he hoped the government didn't collaborate too closely with the Church.

Neil Mitchell last week also called for the Gillard government to step in and announce a Royal Commission.

"We need a Royal Commission, a Federal Commission, and that commission needs to subpoena and put on their stand everybody from Archbishop George Pell down," he said.

The Prime Minister has warned the inquiry could take years.

This will be the first Royal Commission Ms Gillard has called during her Prime Ministerial tenure.

Should you require immediate or crisis support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. The Government has also established a 'Find and Connect' support service to provide counselling and support to those affected by child abuse which can be contacted on 1800 161 109.

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'Put the Church in the witness box'

Cardinal George Pell (FFX)NEIL MITCHELL: The Church needs to be put in the witness box. The community is owed the truth. The followers of the church are owed the truth. Their victims more than anything are owed that little satisfaction.  

 

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Bill ShortenCHURCH ABUSE: Bill Shorten has told Neil Mitchell he feared he could have been a victim of a predatory priest in his youth. Mr Shorten said he had been asked to be an altar boy by his local priest, who turned out to be an abuser.

Nothing shocks me anymore

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Blog comments Your Say

  • There is nothing genuine in this from Gillard. Like her Gender bias agenda, this is yet another issue that she sees will distract the voting public from her own sorrowful under-performance, lies and backstabbing.

    Jake Wednesday 14 November, 2012 - 7:51 AM

  • Typically gutless comment from keyboard hero.
    Unfortunately this gives Hinch sycophants such as feral Cheryly the opportunity to vent their anti Catholic bigotry.

    Gavan Tuesday 13 November, 2012 - 6:03 PM

  • Another in this "INEPT so called minority "GOVERNMENT" to devert the real "TOPICS". It will not work "JULIAR" I repeat "JULIAR". Wake us Auusies and do not get "SUCKED" IN BY THIS "LIAR".

    IAN Tuesday 13 November, 2012 - 3:41 PM

  • WOW, The two biggies, the Government Versus The Catholic Church.

    Why not a Royal Commission into the bullying tactics of the Taxation department that goes on everyday leaving innocent people with PTSD.

    caz Tuesday 13 November, 2012 - 2:37 PM

  • When is the world gonna wake up and realize theres no such thing as God
    =============================

    Well if there's no such thing as God, how come you know what his name is, huh?

    Smart Alec Tuesday 13 November, 2012 - 2:18 PM

  • Cheryl, taking a leaf out of Julia's book i see getting abusive when ever this Governments antics are questioned.

    Stephen Tuesday 13 November, 2012 - 1:36 PM

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