Child abusers remain safe in confessional
PRIESTS will remain exempt from reporting confessions of child abuse, after the State Government confirmed it was yet to decide whether to strip ministries of secrecy protections.
The Andrews Government yesterday released its response to hundreds of recommendations, following the national Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse.
It accepted, in full, 128 recommendations, accepted, in principle, 165 recommendations and confirmed it would “give further consideration” to 24 recommendations.
The Government also noted 92 recommendations where responsibility did not rest with it.
Among the recommendations it will consider further is the proposal to force priests and other religious ministries to report allegations of abuse disclosed during confession.
Attorney-General Martin Pakula said Victoria would work with other states and territories, and the Federal Government, to push forward on national action.
“We have delivered a number of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to make sure that survivors of institutional child sexual abuse receive the recognition, respect and support they deserve,” he said.
A National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional sexual abuse commenced on July 1. Victoria has made a number of other changes in light of the commission, including the introduction of new child-safety standards and a reportable conduct scheme.