Tony Abbott: George Pell is going through ‘very bad experience’

In a tense radio interview, Tony Abbott has doubled down on his defence of Cardinal George Pell, saying he’s “not a fairweather friend”.

Tony Abbott has doubled down on his defence of Cardinal George Pell, saying he’s “not a fairweather friend”.

The former prime minister has also opened up about the level of support for Pell following his conviction for sexually abusing two choirboys, saying its “very unusual” for someone of his “seniority and substance” to be on trial.

Mr Abbott made the remarks in a highly-charged interview with Sydney 2GB shock jock Ray Hadley this morning where he also defended his decision to telephone the senior Catholic after his conviction became public last week.

“When it comes to the phone call, look, I’m not a fairweather friend,” Mr Abbott told Hadley.

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‘I’m not a fairweather friend’: Former prime minister Tony Abbott discusses his support for George Pell. Picture: AAP

“This was someone who was obviously going through a very, very bad experience.

“I’m not saying he’s the only one who is going through bad experiences but he has been a friend of mine for a long time.

“But at a time like this, you’ve got to feel for people. You’ve got to feel for the victims who have been dreadfully betrayed by an institution that they should have been able to trust.

“You’ve got to feel for the people who are dismayed at this verdict against someone who they put up on a pedestal.

“These are tough times for a lot of people.”

Mr Abbott acknowledged it was rare for someone convicted of child sex crimes to have people publicly leap to their defence and note that their case is still subject to appeal.

But he also added “it’s very unusual for someone of Cardinal Pell’s seniority and substance to be on trial like this”.

The interview comes after Hadley slammed Mr Abbott and former prime minister John Howard last week for backing Pell following his conviction.

Cardinal George Pell arrives at Melbourne County Court last week. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Mr Abbott also revealed during the interview that he couldn’t remember if he was asked to provide a character reference for Pell when he telephoned him last week.

“I honestly don’t know whether I was asked to provide a reference or not. I have no recall of being asked to provide a reference,” he said.

Mr Abbott acknowledged the verdict against his long-time friend was “damning”.

“It is subject to appeal. But look, I absolutely accept that the courts and their judgments are the best means we have of coming to the truth,” he said.

He refused to comment on Mr Howard providing a character reference for Pell as Hadley said he thought it had been an “error of judgment”.

Last week, Mr Howard was one of 10 people who wrote character references for Pell.

“Cardinal Pell is a person of both high intelligence and exemplary character. Strength and sincerity have always been features of his personality,” Mr Howard wrote.

“I have always found him to be lacking hypocrisy and cant.

“In his chosen vocation he has frequently displayed much courage and held to his values and beliefs.”

The Liberal heavyweight said Pell’s conviction had not altered his opinion of the Cardinal.

“It is my view that he has dedicated his life to his nation and his church,” he said.

Australian Catholic University professor Greg Craven also provided a reference, along with Terry Tobin, QC, Sue Buckingham, Anne McFarlane, Chris Meney, Elsie Heiss, Michael Casey, Katrina Potter and Daniel Casey.

Originally published as Tony Abbott: George Pell is going through ‘very bad experience’