Fed: Crean calls for GG to make full explanation on abuse claims
CANBERRA, Feb 18 AAP - Governor-General Peter Hollingworth had to give a full explanationof an alleged cover-up of sexual abuse complaints while he was Anglican Archbishop ofBrisbane, the federal opposition said today.
Channel Nine's Sunday program yesterday broadcast claims that Dr Hollingworth had triedto discourage a sex-abuse victim from going to police.
It alleged that he dismissed sex abuse claims against a priest, whom he later appointedto a church's sexual abuse committee.
Dr Hollingworth has denied the allegations and said he would not resign as governor-general.
But Opposition Leader Simon Crean said denial was not enough and the continued controversydamaged the office of governor-general.
"I think it's important that the full detail of those allegations be made available,but I think equally important is that the governor-general give a full explanation," hesaid.
"I think the longer these issues remain unresolved and unanswered, of course it damagesthe office of the governor-general, and that's not good for the country."
Dr Hollingworth will appear on ABC TV's Australian Story tonight to give his side ofthe story, but Mr Crean said it was hard to know if that would be enough.
AAP kmh/daw/las/bwl
KEYWORD: HOLLINGWORTH CREAN
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