Deadline win for victims

By KATH GANNAWAY
THE father of a victim of Healesville paedophile priest David Daniel has welcomed news last week that the deadline for submissions to a government investigation into clergy sexual abuse has been extended.
The State Government’s inquiry into the handling of child abuse by religious and other organisations will now take submissions until 21 September.
The news follows a series of forums held in July by victims’ advocacy groups including Sexual Assault Victims’ Advocates, Fr Bob McGuire Foundation and Melbourne Victims’ Collective. These were aimed in part at giving people an opportunity to consider and discuss the development of submissions in relation to people who have experienced victimisation and criminal abuse.
Healesville parent Ian Lawther said the three-week extension would be helpful to anyone considering a submission.
“The (Inquiry) committee were rushed for time anyway and to get an extra three weeks is going to be helpful,” he said.
“I believe what will happen is the committee will realise just how big a job has been set for them and that the final outcome will be for a full judicial inquiry,” he said.
“I have never ever viewed this as anything other than a first step which will give people an indication of just how complex and far-reaching this issue is.”
He urged anyone who has been a victim of abuse to consider a submission to take the first steps towards bringing the full extent of the problem into the public arena.
“The fact that Healesville has been so badly affected by incidents of clergy sexual abuse is very much part of this inquiry.
“I have said in my submission that there are more cases out there who don’t want to go public, but that the parish will bear the effects for many years to come,” Mr Lawther said.
For assistance and information regarding submissions visit
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc/inquiry/340 or phone 8682 2843.
Help for victims, including support in preparing a submission, preparing for and attending a public hearing and linking people to local support groups and services is available through the Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817.