Refund Policy Not Extended to Catholic Sex Abuse Victims

By Tara Miko
The Chronicle
December 12, 2015

http://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/abuse-victims-await-findings/2869165/

THE Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba will await the findings of the Royal Commission into Child Sex Abuse before deciding whether it will refund tuition fees to abuse victims.

It comes as the Anglican Diocese of Southern Queensland this week confirmed it would refund tuition and boarding fees to confirmed victims of abuse and had begun advertising to locate them.

The 13 child victims, aged eight to 10 years at the time, of jailed former school teacher Gerard Byrnes would be eligible to have the fees refunded if the diocese were to adopt a similar policy.

The abuse was reported in September, 2007.

But a diocese spokesman said the inquiry commissioner found the church's response to abuse had been adequate and would await the commission's final outcomes before considering any further policies.

The Toowoomba school where Byrnes taught was the focus of the commission in February, particularly the manner in which the education office dealt with complaints of child sexual abuse.

While critical, the commissioner found that Bishop William Morris had responded appropriately after being informed of the abuse allegations and launched an independent investigation.

That included appointing an independent mediator for the "purpose of assessing and advising on reparations payable to victims".

"We support this process to compensate victims," the Toowoomba diocese spokesman said.

"Our policy in the future will need to take account of the outcomes of the royal commission as the Catholic Church's Truth Justice and Healing Council strongly supports a national redress scheme for victims and is awaiting a determination regarding this."

Byrnes retired from the Toowoomba school in June 2008 but was re-employed at the same school a month later despite it being aware of the abuse.

The commission also found principal Terence Hayes had failed to report the abuse to police as was outlined in the school's policies.

The Anglican Diocese of Southern Queensland on Monday said it was attempting to locate sexual abuse survivors from schools in an effort to refund school fees.

Former students are urged to contact the independent legal service, Knowmore, on 1800605762 or 32184500.