Clare O'Neil (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Justice) Share this | Hansard source

I have the great privilege of representing Chrissie Foster in this parliament. With her late husband, Anthony, Chrissie has been one of the most vocal and effective advocates for victims of sexual abuse. Chrissie's willingness to turn her life to the protection of Australian children is nothing short of extraordinary. I rise to highlight a case she has drawn to my attention.

One recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is that the confessional seal, as it is called, should be broken in cases where a child is in danger. Doctors, nurses and teachers are subject to mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse. Catholic priests are not. I believe that must change. I want to draw to the parliament's attention the case of a priest, Michael McArdle, who pleaded guilty in 2003 to sexually abusing generations of Australian children. This person confessed 1,500 times to 30 different priests over 25 years. He swears that each time, instead of being told to get treatment, or the police being notified, he was told to go home and pray.

I call on MPs around the country to make themselves aware of this case. I respect the role of the church and the act of confession and I deeply respect religious freedom, but I think you draw the line at sheltering child abusers. In the past, institutions such as the church have been too complicit in turning a blind eye to these heinous crimes. That must change.

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