The controversial decision by the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Abuse to hold the Ballarat portion of hearings in Melbourne has shocked local survivors.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sexual abuse survivors spokesman Andrew Collins has asked the commission to reconsider its decision.
Announced late on Thursday afternoon, the move surprised many survivors who expected the hearing to be held locally.
The hearings are expected to see Cardinal George Pell and former Ballarat bishop Ronald Mulkearns appear before the commission.
“I am very disappointed that the royal commission has decided to hold the hearings in Melbourne,” Mr Collins said. “I understand their reasoning but it need to be held in Ballarat, the crimes were done in Ballarat, the cover-up was done in Ballarat and the ongoing pain and trauma is still going on in Ballarat.”
Mr Collins said the emotional toll on survivors was already high enough, adding the travel only created additional stress. However, he also said the appearance of both Cardinal Pell and Bishop Mulkearns could provide the opportunity for some healing for survivors.
“It would definitely focus the world’s attention on the hearing when they do appear,” he said. “I hope they do remember this time, we don't want to hear a repeat of the ‘I don’t recall’ we have seen in the past. We want them to be upfront, they have the opportunity to help people heal.
“If they are genuine men of god they should tell everything they know and allow the healing to take place.”
