The business manager of the Newcastle Anglican Diocese has launched legal action against the church with the employment watchdog, alleging he has been ostracised and bullied because of his stand for victims of child sexual abuse.
John Cleary says he has filed a case with the Fair Work Commission against the church claiming he was marginalised because of his advocacy for victims of child sexual abuse inside the church.
Cleary has been an outspoken supporter for victims of abuse in the church, and has spoken out in favour of reforms.
The Newcastle Herald reported that his statement said he had been marginalised and bullied: “I have been punished by the church for being a ‘whistleblower’, and for my actions in trying to get the best outcome for survivors.”
They reported Cleary’s claim is an “adverse action” application for bullying and harassment.
Cleary said he had been diagnosed with PTSD and depression and is suffering from vicarious trauma after hearing horrific and graphic details of child sexual abuse at the church.
The child abuse royal commission has conducted hundreds of hearings into serious allegations of child abuse in religious, government and private institutions.
