State Government undecided on future of regional confessional in child abuse royal commission response

PRIESTS will stay exempt from reporting child abuse confessions, as the Victorian government remains undecided on stripping ministries of secrecy protections.

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 has today 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.

VATICAN CHILD SEX COVER-UP CLAIMS

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‘PRIESTS SHOULD REPORT CONFESSIONS’

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 announced the government’s response to royal commission recommendations. Picture: Aaron Francis

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 royal commission, including the introduction of new child safety standards and a reportable conduct scheme.

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