Peter Hollingworth's response makes him unsuitable for Governor General

Such an inquiry will inescapably expose ugly secrets of child suffering in Australian institutions. It will ensure better protection for children in the present and the future. It may, perhaps, allow for justice and the horrendous scars of victims of child sexual abuse to begin to heal.

The Democrats will not desist in pressuring for such an inquiry, nor retreat from calls for Dr Hollingworth to resign.

The excuse that Dr Hollingworth was just part of a system or of a time in which churches across the board didn't handle allegations of sexual abuse against priests very well - as has been suggested by some - is not acceptable. We are talking about actions and statements that occurred quite recently. In any case, never has there been a time when turning a blind eye to reports of sexual abuse of a child was OK.

This is no "witch-hunt". Nor is it "mob hysteria". People are right to speak of the need to protect the rights of the accused as well as those who make allegations.

But, as with any other public office, this is a public debate about a person's suitability to hold that office. Dr Hollingworth failed in his duty of care to children and the rights of the victims have been ignored.

It is time we as a nation gave first priority to protecting the rights of children.