PRESSURE ON PREMIER TO PROTECT POLICEMAN WHO EXPOSED ALLEGED CHILD ABUSE

Pressure is being put on NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell to support Detective Inspector Peter Fox, who won’t be protected under whistleblower laws for exposing alleged child abuse by Catholic priests.

Chief Inspector Fox claims the church in the NSW Hunter region covered up evidence about paedophile priests.

The claims have led to a state government special commission as well as contributing to the setting up of the Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse.

But Mr Fox has been notified by NSW Police that one of his disclosures isn’t covered by whistleblower legislation.

“I’m disappointed and also very let down. I’ve had phone calls from some in the police force that told me there wouldn’t be a problem with this,” he said.

Mr Fox will now write to Premier O’Farrell to find out where he stands on the issue.

“He’s come out before and said I would be protected under the legislation. He made some very strong statements in parliament. He said my disclosures were in the public interest and would be treated that way”. Mr Fox said.