TERMS of reference for an inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse by Archbishop George Pell of Sydney 40 years ago were drawn up last week.
The inquiry will be carried out in camera by retired Victorian Supreme Court judge Alec Southwell QC, who is not a Catholic.
The length of the inquiry will be decided by Mr Southwell and the lawyers for the parties involved. Hearings will be held in Melbourne.
Msgr David Cappo of Adelaide, who was an author of Towards Healing, which sets out the principles and processes to be followed in allegations of sexual abuse, told ABC TV’s 7.30 Report on August 20 that Mr Southwell was ‘a very credible man in his field’.
‘I’m sure he’ll be working appropriately and independently to produce his report,’ Msgr Cappo said.
Archbishop Pell took leave on August 21 for the duration of the inquiry.
Auxiliary Bishop David Cremin will attend to the archdiocese’s day-to-day running while Archbishop Pell is on leave.
