AUSTRALIA

Child sexual abuse redress scheme takes shape with NSW, Victoria reaching compensation deal

The ABC News reported that despite the Royal Commission recommending payments of compensation for historical child sexual abuse up to $200,000 and an average payment of $65,000, a deal was struck this week in negotiations with NSW and Victoria which caps payments at $150,000, although survivors, on average, will receive more. Payments will be accessible from July 2018 through the National Redress Scheme and it is expected other states will follow in signing up.

Former Melbourne Principal accused of child abuse to be placed in home detention

The Herald Sun has reported that the former Melbourne school principal who is accused of Australian child sex abuse crimes, could be freed from custody into home detention in Jerusalem, Israel. Victorian police have been seeking extradition to Australia on 74 charges of child sexual abuse for some time, and this grant of bail could hamper the extradition process. The Sydney Morning Herald has also reported that an Israeli rabbi has now withdrawn his support to supervise the home detention.

Top lawyer says people injured by cyber-hate should be able to sue Facebook

According to News.com, parents are more concerned about their children’s use of social media and technology than drugs, alcohol and smoking. New research by ReachOut reveals more than 40 per cent of parents are either extremely worried or very worried about their children’s exposure to social media and technology, with cyber-bullying and harassment the top concern. Response from schools is also of concern in the study.

Some children would be better off outside the regular school system

The Age reported an opinion piece which discusses the current Victorian review of student expulsion policy in schools. Principals are of the view that their voice counts for too little when it comes to the expulsion of students whom they believe can no longer remain in their schools because they pose an unacceptably high risk to the welfare of other students and staff. There is also an interesting discussion included about students with special needs and their welfare at mainstream schools.

NSW Child Abuse Task force makes first arrest

The Australian has reported that Strike Force Eckersley, established by the NSW Police through the Nepean Police Area Command in late 2016, has made its first arrest. This arrest is in relation to historic child sexual abuse offences at Daruk Training School, which from 1965 to 1985 cared for young boys aged 10 to 16. NSW police have launched a nationwide appeal for more victims to come forward and expect more arrests to be made.

INTERNATIONAL

Vatican will be terrified of New Zealand Royal Commission, whistleblower says

Radio New Zealand reported about an international Catholic whistleblower who says the Vatican will be "quaking in fear" in case the New Zealand Catholic Church is included in an upcoming Royal Commission into abuse. The Government has repeatedly stated it wants to leave churches and other non-state institutions out of the upcoming Royal Commission, but survivors of clerical abuse are pushing for the Commission chair to reverse this during the current public consultation phase.

'Got privilege?' Canadian B.C. school district under fire after launching anti-racism campaign

CBC News Canada wrote about a new campaign in British Columbian (B.C.) schools where posters addressing racism and white privilege have been put up in every school in the Gold Trail District. The posters feature phrases such as "Got privilege?" and "If you don't have to think about it, it's a privilege." They feature quotes from district administrators on their experiences with privilege and racism. The Superintendent said they are “trying to acknowledge that racism does exist and that some people, as a result of racism, are disadvantaged.”