Link Between Abuse and Destructive Behaviour
There is a clear link between abuse in childhood and destructive behaviours in adulthood It has been reported on the news carrier, BBC World, that UK comedian Tony Slattery recently revealed that he too was the victim of Child Sexual Abuse by a priest when he was just 8 years old. A comedy star of the 80s and 90’s his personal issues caused him to withdraw...
It’s Not About the Divorce
Many people still hold traditional concepts about getting a divorce, but today it is no longer based on finding fault, or apportioning blame to one party or another. It is simply about the irrevocable breakdown of the relationship. The relationship does not have to be one of a traditional marriage, it can be a long standing defacto relationship where the finances and interdependencies are...
Unredacted Report into Abuse
The Unredacted Report into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse: What is the right thing to do, when should those in authority step up? At last we have the unredacted report of the Commissions’ findings as to the responses to questioning of Cardinal George Pell. In their report, The Commission into Child Sexual Abuse advises that they reject the claims of Cardinal Pell as to his lack...
Ex-Boy Scout Leader Sex Abuser
Ex-Boy Scout Leader Mario Henry Aliverti the latest in Convicted Child Sexual Abusers We have read today in the Sydney Morning Herald article by court reporter Georgina Mitchell that Scout Leader sex abuser, Mario Henry Aliverti has been convicted of sexually abusing young boys in his care, and will finally pay the price. He has been jailed, and will stay there for the next 20...
The Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse
The Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse: Why we need to know the whole truth. Since the release of George Pell subsequent to the quashing of his conviction for abuse of a child, the next step would seem to be the release of further testimony given at the Royal Commission Into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse. The Victorian Government is now leading the call for...
Marriages Under the Microscope
MARRIAGES UNDER THE COVID-19 MICROSCOPE: When and where to get help. The effects on families of the lockdowns due to Covid-19 can be many and varied as we all grapple with the pressures of a life that may well have changed forever. Some will find a new closeness to family and friends, but others will find themselves in a pressure cooker of high emotions, and...
Economic Costs of Child Abuse
Child abuse and neglect are a scourge on Australian society. Not only does child abuse and neglect have extremely negative and long lasting impacts on individuals, but on collective society as well. Child abuse and neglect has a significant cost to the Australian economy. The prevention of child abuse and neglect must be a priority for governments, non-government organisations and the wider community. Direct and Indirect...
Cardinal Pell Goes Free
There will perhaps be more questions than answers generated from the High Court decision to overturn the jury trial that convicted Cardinal George Pell of historic child sex offences. Much about the process could well be deemed to be unusual given that the High Court would not traditionally hear such a matter in the first place. To overturn a jury decision could also be considered...
National Redress Scheme Review
Public Hearings to Review the National Redress Scheme begin this Month in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle In September 2019 the Australian Parliament announced a review of the National Redress Scheme. The review is an opportunity for members of the public to provide their feedback and express their concerns of their experiences of the operation of the National Redress Scheme. The review will be undertaken by the...
References for the Devil
When do you draw the line on your personal ethical stand for the protection of children. On the 23 February of this year, in the Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Koziol wrote about the concerning issue regarding Stephen Russell, past Headmaster of St Kevin’s College in Melbourne. Mr Russell had provided a character reference for Peter Kehoe, a coach at St Kevin’s, who was convicted...
Abuse in Australian Defence Force
Claims for Abuse in Australian Defence Force The Royal Commission in the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (‘Royal Commission’) address a number of institutions in society where sadly incidences of sexual and serious physical abuse have been prevalent for many years. The Royal Commission heard evidence in relation to a limited number of reported incidents of sexual and physical abuse in a small sample of...
Modern Slavery Report
YOUR COMPANY MAY NEED TO PROVIDE A MODERN SLAVERY STATEMENT AS A MATTER OF LEGISLATED COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS. ARE YOU COMPLIANT? Who is required to report? The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (“Act”) requires that an entity that has an annual consolidated revenue of at least AUD 100 million, and is either an Australian entity or a foreign entity carrying on business in Australia, (pursuant to section...
Australian Expats Beware
When is the Family Home no longer exempt from Capital Gains Tax? Australian Expats Beware. If you are an Australian Expat living overseas, and own a property in Australia deemed to be your Primary Residence, after 30 June 2020 this property will no longer be exempt from Capital Gains Tax. This tax will be retrospective to cover any capital gain on the property accumulated over the...
Average Abuse Report Time – 20 Years
The average time to report abuse is 20 years, so how much time do you actually have to lodge a claim? For over 300 years there has been a time limit imposed on anyone who wanted to take action in a court to enforce their legal rights. There are sound reasons to have time limits. People need to have certainty in how they conduct their...
National Redress Scheme
Is the National Redress Scheme Working for Victims of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse? At this point in time the answer is quite possibly no. It was reported by Miki Perkins, writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, that at least 10 applicants for the Redress Scheme sadly passed away before they were paid as they were not processed in time. The backlog appears to remain, and many...
