The Bishop of Auckland thinks children could be at greater risk after a push for priests to break the confessional seal.
Victoria's Parliament introduced a proposed bill that would make it mandatory for priests to report suspected child abuse to authorities.
The Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne Peter Comensoli says despite the changes, he wouldn't break the Catholic tradition.
Bishop Patrick Dunn told Mike Hosking the changes could mean people won't mention those kinds of abuse in confession.
He says if abusers fear priests lifting the lid on them, they won't tell anyone and children will be at greater risk.
"If they are not allowed to speak to anyone, they become silent, they have no hope."