Firstly, the Australian bishops were covering up pedophilia for decades just like the bishops world wide. They were not only bound by Canon Law, they were residents of a gated community called Clericalism. Isn't it ironic that a secular authority, the type Benedict XVI lashed as being infected with 'moral relativism' now rightly claims the moral high ground.
Just wait till the lid comes off Catholic Poland and Latin America.

Secondly, only the Pope can unilaterally change Canon Law. Francis has not erased 'Secreta Continere' which continued to impose the Pontifical Secret of 'Crimen Solicitationis' of 1922. 
Discounting  Pope John Paul I, that's six popes since Pius XI who have maintained a provision in Canon Law which forbids bishops and religious superiors from reporting the crimes of  pedophile priests and religious  to secular authorities except where such reporting is demanded in civil law.

The Canonical provisions for coverup continue. Francis is complicit in this.