WENDOUREE MP Sharon Knight has hit out at a decision by the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Abuse to hold the Ballarat portion of the hearings in Melbourne in November.
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The decision drew an outcry from local clergy sexual abuse survivors who will now have the added stress of travelling to Melbourne for the hearings.
Both Cardinal George Pell and former Ballarat bishop Ronald Mulkearns are expected to appear before the commission at these hearings.
Ms Knight said she believed there needed to be a discussion around what logistical issues were stopping the hearings from being held in Ballarat and how they could be addressed.
“I think it is quite extraordinary,” she said. “There is a reason why it was meant to be held in Ballarat and there was a commitment for it be held here again in November. The reason is the clergy sexual abuse happened here, the sheer number (of cases), the number of suicides, the impact on families and the impact on the entire community.
“I think if you made a commitment and if there are some logistical issues you sit down and figure it out. What about the logistical issues for the survivors as well who expected it to be held in Ballarat?
“I would like to know exactly why, what are the logistical reasons, there should be some clarity, it shouldn't be explained to me. It should be explained to the survivors.”
A spokesperson for the commission said that due to the anticipated level of interest the ceremonial court in the County Court complex in Melbourne would be used.
“In addition, the Royal Commission has made arrangements for an overflow room to be available in the County Court, which will allow more members of the public to view the proceedings,” she said. “The Royal Commission will also provide a venue in Ballarat in the Trench Room at the Ballarat Town Hall, for any community members who wish to watch the webcast of the public hearing.
“By holding the hearing in a larger courtroom, providing an overflow room in the County Court complex, as well as providing a dedicated site in Ballarat – the commission will be able to accommodate significantly more members of the public who wish to view the hearing.”
The spokesperson said consideration was being given to providing some transport for witnesses and their families to attend.
