The passing of Peter Hollingworth, the former Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane and Australia’s Governor-General, has reignited a contentious debate surrounding his legacy and the ongoing need for robust child protection measures in Australia. Advocates for survivors of child sexual abuse are seizing the moment to demand significant reforms, highlighting Hollingworth’s failure to adequately address allegations of abuse within the Church during his tenure.
A Troubling Legacy
Peter Hollingworth served as the Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane from 1990 for over a decade, before becoming Governor-General in 2001. His time in these pivotal roles, however, was marred by scandal, particularly concerning his handling of child sexual abuse cases within the Anglican community. Following his resignation as Governor-General, due to mounting criticism over his failure to act on multiple abuse reports, Hollingworth’s legacy remains one of controversy and division.
Survivor Beth Heinrich, who suffered abuse at the hands of Anglican priest Donald Shearman, reflected on Hollingworth’s life, declaring him a “sad example” of a man who received accolades while prioritising the protection of abusers over victims. Heinrich’s long battle for justice has been emblematic of the struggles faced by many survivors who have called for accountability and change within religious institutions.
Calls for Reform
In the wake of Hollingworth’s death, child protection advocates are urging the Australian government to implement comprehensive national reforms to safeguard children from abuse. Chris Goddard, a child protection expert and adjunct professor at the University of South Australia, emphasised the need for a streamlined national approach to child protection legislation, highlighting the current system’s confusing nature and barriers to reporting.
Despite the findings of the 2013 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which exposed widespread failures to protect children, many survivors and experts assert that substantial gaps remain. Goddard remarked on the importance of consistent legislative frameworks across all states, likening the current patchwork of laws to an ambulance service operating under different names in each region.
A Fragmented System
Cathy Kezelman, president of the Blue Knot Foundation, echoed these sentiments, noting that survivors often encounter a fragmented and inaccessible system when seeking assistance. She pointed out that even a decade after the Royal Commission, the response to survivors remains inadequate, with many still struggling to navigate the complexities of available services.
Despite the Anglican Church’s professional standards board finding Hollingworth guilty of misconduct for allowing known abusers to remain in the ministry, advocates stress that mere acknowledgements of past mistakes are insufficient. Kezelman remarked that Hollingworth’s legacy would be forever linked to the Church’s failure to appropriately respond to child sexual abuse allegations.
A Family’s Perspective
In a statement following his death, Hollingworth’s family requested a balanced portrayal of his life, acknowledging the impact of his work while also recognising his regrets. They highlighted the support received from the community and reflected on Hollingworth’s own admission of living with his failures. Former Prime Minister John Howard remarked on Hollingworth’s candid approach to discussing these issues, underscoring his abhorrence towards child abuse.
However, these familial sentiments do little to overshadow the profound pain experienced by survivors like Heinrich, who continue to demand justice and accountability. Heinrich’s recent receipt of an apology from the Queensland Archbishop, recognising the failures of Hollingworth during her abuse case, underscores the ongoing need for institutional accountability.
Why it Matters
The legacy of Peter Hollingworth serves as a stark reminder of the systemic failures that continue to put children at risk. As advocates push for urgent reforms in child protection laws, it becomes increasingly clear that the fight for justice and accountability is far from over. The national conversation surrounding Hollingworth’s life and the Church’s handling of abuse cannot be dismissed; it is a crucial moment to reassess how institutions respond to the most vulnerable in our society. The call for change is not merely about remembering a controversial figure, but about ensuring a safe future for all children, free from the shadows of abuse.
