PARRAMATTA (AUSTRALIA)
Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA News) [Hong Kong]
July 30, 2026
By UCA News staff
Diocese of Parramatta is known Australia’s youngest and most multicultural Catholic dioceses
Australia’s Diocese of Parramatta has appointed Robert Fitzgerald, one of the nation’s leaders in child protection and institutional governance, as chairman of its Safeguarding Council.
The diocese, led by Australia’s first Vietnam-born prelate, Bishop Vincent Long, has been at the forefront of safeguarding practices in the Catholic Church for years, developing stringent policies and procedures and embedding a culture of safeguarding across all parishes, agencies and ministries, says a press release from the diocese on July 30.
With the appointment of Fitzgerald, the diocese aims to strengthen its commitment to safeguarding by working with a diverse group of independent experts, the release said.
Fitzgerald brings decades of experience in social justice, governance and the protection of vulnerable people.
As a Commissioner of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, he helped lead one of Australia’s most significant inquiries into institutional safeguarding, accountability and cultural reform.
His career has also included serving as Australia’s Age Discrimination Commissioner, Productivity Commissioner and Community and Disability Services Commissioner in New South Wales.
“Our safeguarding journey has been centered around protecting and promoting the dignity and rights of children and all persons, especially those who are vulnerable,” said Bishop Long said.
“I am pleased to appoint Robert Fitzgerald to our Safeguarding Council and am sure that his exceptional experience, integrity and lifelong commitment to justice will be an enormous gift to our Diocese as we continue to strengthen our safeguarding culture.”
“I would like to thank prior Chair Kathryn Greiner AO, whose outstanding leadership has helped create a safeguarding culture of zero tolerance for any abuse, transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.”
Fitzgerald said he was honored to accept the appointment.
“Strong safeguarding depends on leadership, accountability and a willingness to continually improve. It is essential to honoring our promise to keep safe children and vulnerable adults. I am pleased to join the Diocese of Parramatta’s Safeguarding Council and contribute to its already significant work in promoting safe environments and strengthening public trust.”
Joining Fitzgerald on the Safeguarding Council are Sebastian Duhau, who will serve as the Council’s youth representative, Bianca Grella, and Dr. Greg Elliott. Together, they bring a wealth of professional expertise and lived experience to the Council.
The diocese takes pride in its commitment to safeguarding with a focus on transparency, survivor-centered practice and ongoing formation that continues to influence safeguarding practices nationally, the release added.
The Vatican erected the Diocese of Parramatta on April 8, 1986. The diocese in Western Sydney has more than 322,000 Catholics.
Known as Australia’s youngest and most multicultural Catholic diocese, it has more than 40 cultural communities, mostly migrants from Asia and African nations.