The Hollingworth saga demonstrates a terrible abuse of power

Dr Hollingworth may well have demonstrated some naivety in dealing with the media, for which some say he must now burn. They say he should have been experienced because of his role in the Brotherhood of St Lawrence, and being Australian of the Year. They forget that at that time he was speaking both for the disadvantaged and to the converted. As such he was obviously a "media darling". Now the media have turned on one of their favourite sons while opportunistic politicians rush to join the lynch mob.

Why is this? Could it be that Dr Hollingworth is but a surrogate worth sacrificing for the real target, the man who dared to win an election against the express instruction of a vengeful commentariat?

It is time surely for those with influence, especially in the media and politics, to examine, each one of them, the very depths of his or her own conscience, and to reflect on the terrible thing they are doing. This is the destruction of a good man, his reputation and his family, all the while doing damage both to his office and to the nation itself.

Sexual abuse of children is a heinous offence but to lead a salivating lynch mob will always be a shameful abuse of power.