Catholic priests in WA to be forced to report child sexual abuse revealed during confession

The WA Government said it expected to introduce the necessary amendments in the second half of this year.

Mandatory reporting laws in WA already apply to doctors, teachers, nurses, midwives, police and school boarding supervisors.

Anyone convicted of failing to report child sexual abuse faces a $6,000 fine.

The new requirements would apply to “recognised leaders within faith communities who are authorised to conduct, religious worship”, the WA Government said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-23/wa-to-extend-child-sex-abuse-reporting-to-religious-ministers/11140342