Outcry at more delay in probe of former governor-general Peter Hollingworth

Survivor groups have savaged the latest delay in the investigation into former governor-general Peter Hollingworth over his handling of the child sex abuse issue.

Peter Hollingworth. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The secret inquiry into whether former governor-general Peter Hollingworth should be defrocked over his mishandling of a child sex abuse issue has been savaged by support groups after another delay into hearings.

Parties were informed this week that the investigation and hearings into whether Dr Hollingworth should be defrocked from the Anglican Church would not occur this week, the latest of several delays.

It is more than five years since matters were raised with the church investigative system set up after the child sex abuse royal commission.

Survivors have previously been told the hearings, scheduled for two days this week, had been postponed because of an illness and the need to provide a location to hold the confidential inquiry.

Anti-sex abuse campaigner Hetty Johnston said the tribunal delays were further evidence of a complaints system that was not working. She said there were powers available to the Professional Standards Board that would enable Dr Hollingworth to be investigated in absentia.

The Anglican Church set up a complicated investigative process several years ago to examine cases of wrongdoing that could require multiple steps before complaints for defrocking could be finally adjudicated.

Ms Johnston said bitter experience meant people who had tried to participate in the process were sceptical of it going ahead.

“The consistent delays are cruel, baffling, frustrating and unacceptable,’’ she said. “Peter Hollingworth’s response to the sexual abuse perpetrated against innocent children under his leadership was a disgrace.

“Survivors have expressed concern that Hollingworth is receiving special treatment by being granted repeated adjournments. This is the exception, not the norm, so concerns are he is being protected yet again by skilled lawyers adept at this tactic.

“Peter Hollingworth must face the consequences of his actions, just as others have. Justice delayed is justice denied.”

University of South Australia adjunct professor Chris Goddard said the constant delays were causing further trauma for survivors: “It’s completely unfair because they have not even been given an excuse this time.’’

The Anglican investigative body Kooyoora has referred the Hollingworth allegations to an internally formed body to see whether Dr Hollingworth, 87, should be stripped of holy orders.

This was after several complaints about his conduct while archbishop of Brisbane in the late 1980s and ’90s and his comments as governor-general.

At least two complainants have reached the tribunal phase.

Dr Hollingworth is not being investigated for offending himself but for the way he handled the matters when he ran the church in Brisbane and over comments he made as governor-general.

The Australian has contacted the tribunal, the Anglican diocese of Melbourne and Dr Hollingworth for comment.