This week, the NSW government introduced laws that will see the highest penalty increase from a maximum of two years in jail to five years, and seven years if someone hides child sex crimes for a financial benefit.

Wagga child and adolescent sexual assault counsellor Kay Humphreys said those who conceal sexual abuse are “just as bad” as the perpetrators. 

“They are enabling it to continue such as if they are moving perpetrators from one parish to another,” she said. 

“They have to be held accountable. In my opinion, they are as guilty as the perpetrators.”

Ms Humphreys said in her 24 years of working at Linden Place, some victims have told her the concealment adds to the trauma. 

“Sadly, I have had young people say to me that hiding the truth or the disbelief hurt them more than the abuse,” she said. 

“It’s a double impact, the abuse and then those who should have done something doing nothing.” 

Ms Humphreys said she is pleased to see the government and legal system making these changes, but would like to see an investigation into why there is such a low conviction rate. 

“They need to examine why this is happening,” she said. “They have to take into the account the trauma these people suffer through and it’s not very encouraging for people to go to court.” 

Attorney General Mark Speakman said these will be the toughest sentences in Australia for concealing child abuse. 

“Child abuse can lead to a lifetime of trauma for victims and should be reported to police immediately. Increasing penalties for concealment will deter people from protecting perpetrators or turning a blind eye to their crimes,” he said. 

“These reforms will enable courts to impose longer sentences on people who protect paedophiles and other heinous child abusers. 

“In light of recent caselaw, we have listened to the concerns of survivors and the broader community, including more than 13,000 people who signed a petition to Parliament advocating this change.”

Mr Speakman said in terms of priests who learn of abuse through confessional, they are looking for a uniform approach on a national level. 

“The community expectation is that powerful people and institutions would commonly be incarcerated and incarcerated for a significant period where they have betrayed the trust of children,” he said.