The Anglican Bishop of Tasmania has called for a royal commission into child
abuse just days after a national inquiry was ruled out by the Prime Minister.
The call also comes on the back of a church tribunal finding an ex-priest
guilty of child abuse.
The Bishop of Tasmania, John Harrower, says the church is investigating seven
other claims of abuse against the clergy, going back 20 years.
Bishop Harrower says a royal commission would enhance investigative powers and
establish national guidelines and protocols for helping survivors of child
abuse.
"And we could have a national support protocol to support people, the
survivors who bring these complaints forward," he said.
"My experience is that they go through enormous pain to come forward, it
takes enormous courage to come forward and cooperate with the Diocesan Tribunal
and to bring these things forward."