Professor Patrick Parkinson AM comments on the review into Victoria's child protection services.

In an interview with ABC Radio Current Affairs Program PM, Professor Parkinson says the inquiry recommends there be a formal investigation into how religious organisations respond to claims of sexual abuse.
" I think the state's inquiry already had a great deal on its plate and the terms of reference for that inquiry were focusing on other issues.

"So the particular problem of historic abuse by clergy, which raises unique issues; unique legal issues, unique pastoral issues, was one which I always felt would be better dealt with by a separate inquiry."
Professor Parkinson says if such a separate inquiry goes ahead, it will be the first of its kind in Australia.
"The reason why I think Victoria needs to do it and why Victoria should go first is that there are particular issues in Victoria.

"Now I raised concerns about the Salesian Order, which is based in Victoria.
"The Salesians are one of the largest male orders and they have these significant concerns about the way in which the Salesians have handled child sexual abuse."
View the transcript - Report into vulnerable children in Victoria - ABC Radio Current Affairs PM