Key church lawyer alleges cover-up

The Sydney Law professor who reviewed the Catholic Church's 'Towards Healing' protocol has withdrawn his support, alleging contemporary cover-ups by the church. 

In an interview with ABC's Lateline, Professor Parkinson says that the alleged cover-up, which occured as late as 2005, put children at risk, and the failure of the church to comply with the "letter and spirit" of the protocols meant that, as a matter of integrity, he could no longer offer his support.

In particular, he pointed to three cases in which priests accused of sexual abuse were moved overseas or kept overseas while under investigation by police. According to Parkinson, although he highlighted the need for a public inquity, the report he prepared on the issue was suppressed. 

The Catholic Church claims that the vast majority of child sexual abuse cases are historic; however, Parkinson says that the alleged cover-up happened in the last decade. 

The Federal Government will announce the terms of reference for the Royal commission before the end of the year.

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