Following the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse, it is hard to deny that something has to change.
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For far too long churches, charities, institutions, parliamentarians and the like have been permitted to hide behind a code of silence, privilege and "confidentiality".
And when it comes to crimes against the vulnerable no such inconceivable blind-eye behaviour should be acceptable.
Submissions to the Royal Commission were hard to listen to or read for anyone with a conscience.
The recollections of terror and life-long impact of actions instantly generate a feeling of "how could people sleep at night knowing such crimes were being committed?".
Well, let's hope a bill soon to go before the Tasmanian Legislative Council to force priests, politicians and any other person in a position of authority to report incidences of child sexual abuse.
Of course, religious ministries should be mandatorily required to notify police.
Clear cut.
No doubt there will be opposition to the changes but the safety of children must come before confessional privilege.
In the 21st Century, it no longer passes the pub test for accountability and justice.
This change would be difficult following a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
But, like many things in life, we must look at the greater good and be willing to change practices that have caused irreversible harm.
Making concealing such disturbing and harmful information a crime seems like the only logical option to ensure people in power are left with no choice but to act in accordance with societal expectations.
Attorney General Elise Archer summed it up perfectly: "All members of the community must do everything in their power to protect children and prevent child abuse from occurring".
While the Royal Commission caused great shame and heartache, it would hurt exponentially if we didn't change behaviours based on the harrowing findings following the inquiry.
