Australia to Begin Sex Abuse Inquiry

More than 5,000 people are expected to give evidence

At least 5,000 child abuse victims in Australia are expected to give evidence against the Catholic clergy before a government-appointed commission that began its work on Wednesday, local media reported.

"The task we have is large; the issues are complex. But we are now in a position to actively begin the work of gathering the stories and examining the responses of institutions," the reports quoted Justice Pete McClellan, head of the inquiry commission, as saying.