THE figures are extraordinary. Two years into our National Redress Scheme for victims of institutional sexual abuse, over $500m has been paid to 5920 of 10,000 applicants who have so far applied – a mere blip compared to the 60,000 victims assumed to be eligible.
THERE’S no doubt as a result of the COVID-19 virus and its debilitating and destructive effect on society both medically and economically that increasing numbers of people are distraught and in danger of suffering anxiety, loss and depression. Whether measured by alcohol consumption, family violence, calls to organisations like Beyond Blue or the incidents of self-harm and in extreme cases suicide it’s clear the fabric that holds communities and families together is under threat.
IT TOOK no more than a tweet from Chief Justice, Susan Kiefel, to deliver a massive defeat for the ‘guilt by accusation’ brigade who had so undermined the rule of law.
A unanimous seven justice ruling has restored that ancient and fundamental principle that the Crown must prove a criminal accusation beyond reasonable doubt.
VICTORIA Labor Premier Daniel Andrews lifted two fingers to Australia’s highest court this week after it released imprisoned cardinal George Pell, ruling he had been wrongfully convicted.
Andrews, who wears the permanent face of a scolded infant, wrote “I believe every single victim and survivor of child sex abuse” in a pointed social media swipe at the High Court’s unanimous decision.
