This week we have seen some significant moves by governments around Australia to get an idea of how the federal government plans respond to the Royal Commission's proposal for a redress scheme for institutional child sexual abuse survivors.
Last Friday, state and territory attorneys-general sent a joint letter to federal Attorney-General, George Brandis, asking for clarification of the Commonwealth's position.
And this week there have been media reports suggesting the a national redress scheme will be discussed at the next Council of Australian Governments meeting in November..
I have also written to Prime Minister Turnbull requesting a meeting to discuss the redress proposal and to get an indication of where the Commonwealth government is headed.
New Child Protection Office Part of Archdiocese of Sydney Review
Anthony Fisher, the Archbishop of Sydney, has announced a new child protection office as part of a widespread Archdiocesan review.
The new Safeguarding and Ministerial Integrity Office will work with the Vicar General to achieve best practice when dealing with child protection, education, training, working with parishes and responding pastorally to survivors of abuse.
Headed by renowned child protection expert, Ms Karen Larkman, the office will also work closely with government statutory bodies including the NSW Ombudsman and the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian.
On the final day of Pope Francis' visit to the US he held a private meeting with sex abuse victims in Philadelphia.
After the meeting he told bishops that such crimes "must not be kept secret for any longer" and promised on behalf of the Church "the accountability of all."
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