The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle actively supports, and is firmly committed to assisting the work of both the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry and the national Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Below are news articles or press releases (published by the diocese) that relate to the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry or the national Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright on the trial of Vince Ryan
'Yesterday afternoon I was advised that, on the first day of his trial, Vincent Gerard Ryan pleaded guilty to three of the six child sexual assault charges he was facing at the Downing Centre Sydne…
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright – Diocese policies on reporting to Police
Since the mid 2000's under Bishop Michael Malone, the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has had a practice of reporting all available information about historic child sexual abuse allegations…
Response from Bishop Bill Wright on the Royal Commission
'This week Cardinal Pell has provided evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse from Rome. This evidence has helped to complete the disturbing picture of how…
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright on proposed national redress scheme for victims of abuse
'Recently the Federal opposition pledged $33 million to fund the operation of a national redress scheme for victims of abuse – one of the key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institution…
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright in support of Bishop Greg Thompson (1)
‘This week Bishop Greg Thompson made the brave decision to speak out about past abuse he had suffered as a young man, perpetrated by a member of Clergy. I know this is not a decision which Bishop Greg…
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright on Archbishop Philip Wilson
Today 17 March 2015, the NSW Police have issued the Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson with a future court attendance notice to face a single charge of concealing a serious indictable offence. …
Truth, Justice and Healing Council CEO to hold information sessions in diocese
On Wednesday 25th February, CEO of the Truth, Justice and Healing Council – Francis Sullivan will hold two information sessions for people of the diocese and local community to discuss issues related…
Bishop Bill Wright on release of consultation paper on redress
Today the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse released its consultation paper on options for redress and possible reforms to civil litigation for victims of child sexua…
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright on the sentencing of John Denham
The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle continues to be saddened by the terrible harm that John Denham inflicted on so many innocent lives. The Diocese continues to demonstrate its commitment t…
Statement from Bishop Bill Wright on after effects of child sexual abuse
This morning The Newcastle Herald ran several articles proposing to establish a connection between the incidence of suicide and child sexual abuse. The questions posed by Bob O’Toole are important…