Local survivors have lashed out at the silence from the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat over the hearing relocation for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The relocation from Ballarat to Melbourne has drawn strong comments from all corners of the community with many angry at the decision and lack of reasoning behind it.
Sexual abuse survivors spokesman Andrew Collins said there was disappointment the diocese hadn’t publicly supported the community push to have the relocation decision reconsidered by the commission.
“We expected their support, the time for silence has past,” he said.
“The rest of the community is speaking out, they need to be part of the rest of the community and join in.”
Little information has been given by the commission into why the move has taken place only that it was due to the expected interest in the hearings.
Both Cardinal George Pell and former Ballarat Bishop Ronald Mulkearns are expected to appear at the hearings.
The two high profile appearances have led many in the community to question the reasoning behind the decision.
“If they are aware of anything that we are not, it is time to come out and say something,” Mr Collins said.
“If people are hoping it will go away and be forgotten about, it won’t.
“There is anger brewing among survivors.”
The diocese was contacted for comment on the move, however, directed The Courier to the Catholic Church’s Trurth, Justice and Healing council for comment.
The council has previously said it is disappointed by the decision.
Ballarat Bishop Paul Bird appeared at the Royal Commission hearings held in Ballarat during May.
Survivors have openly told The Courier they are losing faith in the work of the commission as a result of the relocation decision.
Many of Ballarat’s local politicians have been very vocal about the move, concerned about the implication it may have on survivors and the community.
The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has already weighed in on the issue as well, saying he expected the commission would “do the right thing” and reconsider its decision to hold the hearing in Ballarat. The large ceremonial court in the County Court complex in Melbourne is now expected to be the location for the hearings.