Cardinal Pell, in a statement issued on 27 July, said "Church authorities in New South Wales cooperate routinely with the police and our activities in this area are regularly monitored by the Ombudsman".
"If there was need for another general inquiry it should be wide ranging, covering not only the Catholic Church but all religions and charities, and not only non-government organisations but government organisations also. I cannot see the need for a state-wide Royal Commission at this time but if there was one the Catholic Church authorities would cooperate fully," he said.
Royal commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance in Australia and are generally headed by judges or Queen's Counsel.