The Marist Fathers Australian Province is committed to fostering a culture of safety and care for all persons which is founded on the conviction that the rights and dignity of all persons, especially children and the vulnerable, need to be promoted and protected.

We acknowledge the work of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, apologise unreservedly to those who have been harmed by those priests, religious and staff who breached their position of trust and lament our past failures to respond effectively and compassionately to survivors of abuse. 

Apology

Address from the Marist Fathers Provincial, Fr Anthony Corcoran SM, at the Ritual of Lament held at the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, Tasmania, on 20 March 2021. Click here

Reporting

The Marist Fathers strongly encourage anyone who has information or evidence of criminal conduct by a Marist priest, religious or staff member to contact their local police so that the matter can be investigated.

We are committed to assisting those who have been harmed by abuse in any of our ministries and would encourage anyone who has suffered historical abuse at a Marist Fathers school, parish or other ministry to contact the Safeguarding and Professional Standards Officer:

Phone:  02 9844 2274 (Mon – Wed)     Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Complaint Handling

The Marist Fathers are committed to effective complaint handling; all complaints will be dealt with in a way that observes the principles of honesty, transparency and justice. Complaints that involve disclosures of child abuse will be dealt with in accordance with the National Response Protocol and in a compassionate and trauma informed manner.   

Our commitment extends to cooperating fully with authorities in the investigation of abuse, no matter where or when it may have occurred.

National Response Protocol: click here

Redress

The Province is a participating institution with the National Redress Scheme which means that any survivor who has suffered child sexual abuse can have their application assessed through the Scheme.

Information about the National Redress Scheme, how to make an application, and how to access free support services, can be found on the website www.nationalredress.gov.au or by calling 1800 737 377.

Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults 

Click here

Safeguarding Commitment

Click here

Code of Professional Conduct

Click here