Law council welcomes abuse commission setup

 

The Law Council of Australia has welcomed the announcement regarding the appointment of Commissioners and the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Law Council of Australia president Joseph Catanzariti said the Law Council is pleased the chair of the Commission, Justice Peter McClellan AM, is an experienced judge and Queens Counsel.

‘The Law Council’s submission regarding the terms of reference highlighted a need to appoint multiple Commissioners, including at least one Commissioner who was of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or a Commissioner who had particular experience in working with Indigenous peoples,’ Mr Catanzariti said.

‘The Law Council is pleased multiple Commissioners have been appointed including a Commissioner of Aboriginal descent.

‘The sexual abuse of Indigenous children raises particular issues, which require familiarity with Indigenous peoples and culture.’

In its submission the Law Council also emphasised the importance of allowing sufficient time for the Commission to examine underlying issues relating to institutional responses to child sexual abuse.

‘The Law Council welcomes the initial setting of a reporting date for the end of 2015 subject to advice from Commissioners in an interim report scheduled for 30 June 2014.’

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