Networked Knowledge – Media Report

[This edited version of the report has been prepared by Dr Robert N Moles]

Abuse cases homepage
List of Australian, UK and USA miscarriage of justice law reports
Article: Australian law on miscarriages of justice
Article: UK law on miscarriages of justice
Article: USA law on miscarriages of justice

On 12 November 2006 Nigel Hunt of the Sunday Mail reported that the Catholic Church was taking steps to settle dozens of complaints about physical and sexual abuse by former residents of the Goodwood Orphanage in Adelaide. The Mail states that this “major development” which involves the Archdiocese of Adelaide and the Sisters of Mercy involves a formal program to deal with complaints and compensation. It says that the program is modelled on restorative justice programs developed in Canada, Ireland and the UK and is intended to avoid costly litigation.

The Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Jane Swift, is reported to have said that each complaint would be assessed individually, and that the church response could include a range of services and support, financial compensation, and an invitation for a pastoral meeting with church representatives. It is said that it is expected that there would be no more than 40 or 50 cases relating to the orphanage ex-residents. Swift said that an independent panel of barristers was being finalised to assess each case and would begin its work shortly. A telephone helpline has been set up – 1800 139 020.

The article says that the Sisters of Mercy ran the Goodwood Orphanage from 1890 to 1975. Residents included British child migrants as well as those placed there due to family hardship. The law firm Duncan Basheer and Hannon in Adelaide is reported to have been handling complaints in a class action for over two years. The lawyer, Peter Humphries said he welcomed the development and would be meeting with church officials.

The article said that Barbara Read referred to the incessant beatings, “brutal” nuns, the lack of food and cold at night. She is reported to have said that the other people working there knew what was going on and should have done something about it. Pat Carlson said that both she and Barbara wanted to know more about what was being offered to determine whether or not it would be acceptable.

Source: Sunday Mail, 12 November 2006 Exclusive: Nigel Hunt.

This article was reported in the Catholic News Online http://www.cathnews.com/news/611/69.php

Top of Page