This morning in the Toowoomba Chronicle (front page and page 4) there is a report that a man has made a civil legal claim in the Supreme Court (Qld) against the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba for historical sexual abuse. The claimant alleges that, as a student, he was sexually abused on a number of occasions in the late 2000s by Fr James Byrne, then Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish in Toowoomba.

As this matter is before the Court, it is inappropriate for the Diocese to comment on the specifics of the matter.

The Diocese reiterates its commitment to supporting survivors of abuse and repairing the wrongs of the past.

The civil lawsuit is now with lawyers representing the Diocese and a defence, to be filed with the Court within a month, is being prepared.

Please be mindful that these are difficult times for all parties involved. We trust the processes of justice to serve truth and wise discernment.

Peter Dorfield
Executive Officer
Diocesan Safeguarding and Standards Ministry
Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba
Em: profstandards@twb.catholic.org.au
Ph: 07 4638 1379
Mb: 0408 459 045