4-12 -2-15
Bishop accused of protecting paedophile priests refuses to appear at inquiry
Bishop Ronald Mulkearns is set to again evade questioning over his role as an alleged protector of paedophile priests, with the former Ballarat Bishop expected to shun a royal commission hearing despite being compelled to appear as a witness.
Bishop Ronald Mulkearns is set to again evade questioning over his role as an alleged protector of paedophile priests, with the former Ballarat Bishop expected to shun a royal commission hearing despite being compelled to appear as a witness.
The testimony of Bishop Mulkearns, and the second grilling of Cardinal George Pell, shaped as a crucial piece of the final weeks of the commission's hearings into institutional responses to child sexual abuse.
The testimony of Bishop Mulkearns, and the second grilling of Cardinal George Pell, shaped as a crucial piece of the final weeks of the commission's hearings into institutional responses to child sexual abuse.
But Fairfax Media has been told that Bishop Mulkearns, who turned 85 last month, will not appear, again blaming ill-health.
The development appears to be a major blow to the commission, as Bishop Mulkearns was considered central to a failure to prevent decades of child sexual abuse at Catholic schools in the Ballarat region.
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A spokeswoman for the commission would not confirm any information regarding hearing witnesses, saying the schedule would be released on Monday.
The retired Bishop of Ballarat, Ronald Mulkearns, was expected to give evidence at the inquiry but has been excused due to ill health.
He is in palliative care but could be called in future if his health improves.
"Bishop Mulkearns remains subject to a summons and should his health improve sufficiently the royal commission intends to call him to give evidence in public," Counsel Assisting Gail Furness SC told the commission.
The focus on Bishop Mulkearns will be his response to abuse allegations against Monsignor John Day, Father Paul Ryan, Father Gerald Ridsdale and an unnamed priest, and whether he covered up the abuse.
Documents plunge Cardinal George Pell into further controversy over child abuse response
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