John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

My view is that all the churches should be the same as the farming organisations, the trade unions and any other body in this country. They should have access to these Houses to put their views. We accept or reject their views and we move on. That is what is being done by the various committees of these Houses. I accept the right of the churches to make their representations here provided they do it openly. There must be accountability in any organisation, be it a church or otherwise, and collective responsibility applies with regard to the matters that caused so much pain for so many people in dioceses throughout the country.