Commonwealth Redress Scheme Update

Statement

By the Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB
Archbishop of Perth

Friday 7 December, 2018

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I am writing to inform you that yesterday, having sought and received the consent of the Archdiocesan Finance Council and the Archdiocesan College of Consultors, I signed the legal documents required for the entry of the Archdiocese of Perth into the Commonwealth Redress Scheme. In doing so I have honoured a commitment I made at the final hearings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

This decision will not be able to take effect until the State Government finalises the enabling legislation that permits institutions in Western Australia to enter into such arrangements with the Commonwealth. It is my understanding that this legislation still awaits Royal Assent. 

Any suggestion that the Catholic Church, and in particular the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, has not yet committed to the Redress Scheme or has been reluctant to do so is incorrect. Support for the Redress Scheme was clearly enunciated by the Truth, Justice and Healing Council, confirmed by the metropolitan Archbishops at the final hearings of the Royal Commission, and further confirmed when the Church's formal response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission was announced in August. 

This signing of the official documents yesterday is an important moment in our Archdiocese's ongoing response to the crisis of child sexual abuse which has blighted so many lives and compromised the ability of the Church to offer the Lord's compassionate mercy and love to a world so much in need.

I invite you all to use this moment to recommit yourselves to the urgent task of making our parishes, schools and other church institutions places of absolute safety for children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Yours sincerely in Christ,
 

+Archbishop Tim Costelloe SDB