Tuesday, 18 February 2025

 Jacinta ERMACORA (Western Victoria) (13:29): On this day I want to mark, or recognise, the survivors of paedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale, who died in jail today. I want to acknowledge the victim-survivors whose lives have been impacted so terribly by his abuse of power over them, and in particular those survivors who were able to come forward publicly during court hearings, which resulted in a guilty verdict and his incarceration. I want to also thank Victoria Police, particularly the former criminal investigation branch in Warrnambool, who worked so tirelessly to bring justice to survivors. I also want to acknowledge his survivors and indeed all sexual assault survivors across our community. We hear you, we believe you and you have a right to be safe and feel safe.