Victim-survivor 'devastated' by Christian Brothers compensation shortfall

A survivor of clergy abuse in Victoria has expressed disappointment and a lack of surprise regarding allegations that the Christian Brothers are attempting to evade full compensation payments to victims. The Congregation of Christian Brothers Oceania Province announced its intention to sell its remaining assets, valued at approximately $216 million across about 36 properties in Australia, to pay abuse victims. However, the congregation admitted these assets would not be enough to provide full restitution.

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Whenever these roadblocks get put up in front of survivors, those of us who have been through those situations know what they are feeling right now.

Peter Buchanan, a regional victim-survivor and secretary of LOUD Fence, described the situation as "disappointed but unsurprised." He noted that when such obstacles arise for survivors, those who have experienced similar situations understand the current feelings of those affected. Buchanan's own fight for compensation following abuse by the Marist Church concluded in 2024 after a lengthy legal battle.

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People who had fought for probably six years to get to the point of having their case heard are now having everything ripped out from under them.

Buchanan stated that victim-survivors are likely "exhausted" by this latest hurdle. He characterized the move as "unconscionable" and accused the Christian Brothers of shirking their responsibility. He asserted that the Catholic Church should step in to cover any financial shortfall, arguing, "I think the Catholic Church is ultimately liable for the sins of its operators."

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I think the Catholic Church is ultimately liable for the sins of its operators.

Lawyers representing survivors also vowed to continue the fight. Judy Courtin, a lawyer and advocate for survivors of institutional abuse, indicated that at least 150 victim-survivors represented by three law firms would be impacted by the Christian Brothers' move to pause payments. She called the situation "truly horrific." Courtin highlighted that many survivors of abuse by Christian Brothers were affected by a previous High Court decision, later overturned, which stated churches could not be sued for the actions of their priests. She suggested that claiming the Christian Brothers are merely subsidiaries of a wealthy global organization is a cynical attempt to reduce financial liability and accountability.

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This is truly horrific.