A Joint Statement from the Catholic Dioceses of Western Australia

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Dated: 15 August 2024

“The Catholic Dioceses of Western Australia acknowledge the release today, Thursday 15 August 2024, of the Final Report by the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly on its Inquiry into the options available to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

The Catholic Dioceses of Western Australia extend their heartfelt and unreserved apology to all those who have suffered the horror of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy and lay Church workers. The four dioceses acknowledge the life-long harm and impact of child sexual abuse on victims and survivors perpetrated by people they trusted within the Church.

The protection of children remains the highest priority for the Catholic Dioceses of Western Australia. The Catholic Dioceses of Western Australia fully supported and responded to all requests for information and data by the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee during its Inquiry. Further, detailed written submissions were provided for the Committee’s consideration.

The Catholic Dioceses of Western Australia acknowledged the release of the Committee’s final report today, and will now take the appropriate time to thoughtfully consider its content and subsequent recommendations. Accordingly, before being afforded the necessary opportunity to do so, the Catholic Dioceses of Western Australia will make no further comment on the Inquiry or its report at this time.

Support and Reporting Information

The Catholic Dioceses of Western Australia urge any person with allegations of child sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it is alleged to have occurred, to report the matter immediately to WA Police.

The West Australian Professional Standards Office (WAPSO) can provide assistance and support to anyone with allegations of sexual abuse wishing to come forward. Telephone: (08) 9221 7762.

The Catholic Dioceses of Western Australia are participating institutions in the National Redress Scheme (NRS). The NRS may be contacted on telephone: 1800 737 177 or via its website - www.nationalredress.gov.au

End Statement.

Media enquiries should be directed to:

Brett Mendez, Media Manager, Catholic Archdiocese of Perth and
Media Liaison for the Catholic Dioceses of Bunbury, Geraldton and Broome.

Mobile: 0448 791 661    Email: brett.mendez@perthcatholic.org.au