The NSW inquiry, which precedes and runs separately from the broader federal royal commission into child sex abuse, expects to hear some evidence without the public or media being present, the commission confirmed during a short hearing in Sydney.
Commissioner Margaret Cunneen will rule on hearing in-camera testimony from some witnesses to avoid prejudicing any potential future criminal proceedings, the hearing was told.
The NSW commission of inquiry will consider police investigations of the late Hunter paedophile priests Denis McAlinden and Jim Fletcher from May 6 to 17, and Church handling of allegations involving the priests from June 24 to July 12.