Jenan Taylor
27 April 2023
An abuse survivor support group has questioned the independence of the Melbourne diocese’s Professional Standards Board’s investigation into former Archbishop of Brisbane Peter Hollingworth.
But Melbourne Archbishop Philip Freier has defended the diocese in a statement saying it had no influence over the complaints process, and was not involved in any deliberations or investigation.
The Professional Standards Board review found that Dr Hollingworth had committed seven instances of misconduct, but could continue with ministry in his current positions.
Media published information about the board’s determination on Monday 24 April. The Melbourne Anglican has received a copy of that determination.
But survivor support service Blue Knot president and executive director Cathy Kezelman said the outcome of Dr Hollingworth’s case raised high the question of independence.
Dr Kezelman said she believed that as the Professional Standards Board was an Anglican institution, it amounted to an Anglican body investigating an Anglican.
She said the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse had recommended independent oversight of complaint handling because there was a history of institutions managing such complaints internally and that it was problematic.
Read more: Synod canons implement Royal Commission recommendations
Dr Kezelman also said the Professional Standards Board’s review of Dr Hollingworth was not full and comprehensive enough.
She said she had hoped it would take into account all the abuse cases that were on the public record that were presided over by Dr Hollingworth.
Dr Kezelman said she had seen the board’s statement of determination and that of those that were commented on, there were several on the public record that were not.
She said it was important that there be an appeal that would lead to a consideration of all the cases that came before Dr Hollingworth, and that the findings would have a consequence that went beyond apologies and reprimands.
Dr Kezelman said she would not be appealing, but she knew of other survivor groups and advocates who were interested in doing so.
“The survivors hope there will be significant accountability out of an appeal, and that it would lead to nothing less than him being defrocked,” Dr Kezelman said.
Read more: Society still struggles to address abuse. Understanding power imbalance is key
Archbishop Freier said in an internal circular there had been some confusion in the news media and even within the Church about the process, and some criticism of the time it had taken.
“It is important to note that the Diocese has no influence over Kooyoora, which administers the Professional Standards Uniform Act; the Professional Standards Committee, which receives, investigates and refers to the Professional Standards Board complaints of misconduct; and the Board, which determines whether alleged misconduct was committed.
“These bodies operate fully independently of the Diocese. I have not been involved in any deliberations or investigation. Anything else would provide a conflict of interest,” Dr Freier said.
Kooyoora has been approached for comment.
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