Lou Bondi steps down from role with Church abuse victims

After eight years of promoting their cause, TV presenter Lou Bondi has decided to step down from his advisory role with the victims of the St Joseph Home sex abuse, saying that his role has been fulfilled.

“I played my part in the case because I believed in the cause and I wanted justice to be done. Today that justice has been delivered,” Bondi wrote in a letter he sent to two of the victims and lawyer Patrick Valentino.

He added that even though seeking financial compensation from the Church is legal and valid, it does not concern him.

“I wish you all success, but it does not form part of what I worked for. I don’t see a role in it for me.”

Bondi also wrote he did not agree with statements said and actions carried recently against the Church and Archbishop Paul Cremona.

“I had voiced my opinion, but unfortunately my advice was not followed.”

On Saturday, six of the victims held a short silent protest against the Church. Standing on the steps of the Curia, the six held placards against the Church’s decision not to give them financial compensation and against the way it had shrugged off responsibility based on “legal advice”. But upon his arrival, their lawyer ordered them to put them away.