Father Anthony (Tony) Bongiorno was a Catholic priest of the Melbourne Archdiocese. Although he was acquitted of criminal charges in 1996, the Melbourne Archdiocese and the Victorian Crimes Compensation Tribunal later accepted that he had sexually abused children. The full number of his victims is unknown. Priesthood and Parish Appointments Anthony Bongiorno began training for the priesthood around 1960 at the age of 25. According to the Australian Catholic Directory, his parish appointments included: Late 1960s: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maidstone (Footscray West) Early 1970s: St Joseph's Parish, Brunswick West Mid-1970s: St Mark's Parish, Fawkner Late 1970s – 1980: St Mary's Parish, Thornbury 1981: Reservoir North Parish May 1981 – 1995: St Ambrose's Parish, Brunswick Maria James Murder (1980) In 1980, while Bongiorno was serving at St Mary's Parish, Thornbury, parishioner Maria James, aged 38, was murdered by stabbing. Victoria Police investigated the homicide but were unable to identify the killer. More than three decades later, the case would again draw attention to Bongiorno. Child Sexual Abuse Evidence later accepted by the Victorian Crimes Compensation Tribunal found that Bongiorno repeatedly sexually abused a boy known publicly as "Rex" from 1981 onwards while serving at St Ambrose's Parish, Brunswick. According to legal evidence, Bongiorno invited Rex, then aged 11, to stay overnight at the presbytery, where the boy shared the priest's bed. Rex alleged that Bongiorno sexually assaulted him in the bedroom and while showering together. The abuse continued over several years. Bongiorno provided the boy with food, clothing, gifts, watches and money. Although the Children's Court ordered that Rex was not to stay at the presbytery, Bongiorno allegedly continued to have him living there from time to time. Another victim, known as "Fred", alleged that Bongiorno sexually assaulted him after Mass in 1983 when the boy was taken to the presbytery. Fred stated that Bongiorno repeatedly abused him between 1983 and 1987 and also gave him money. A third complainant, known as "Adam", later alleged abuse occurring during the same period. Early Complaint Ignored (1985) In 1985, Rex disclosed the abuse to a social worker. The Melbourne Archdiocese asked another priest, a close friend of Bongiorno from seminary days, to investigate the complaint. Bongiorno denied the allegations, and the matter was not pursued further. Victims Come Forward (1993–1995) In 1993, parishioners complained to diocesan authorities after seeing young boys in Bongiorno's bed and observing him showering with them. In 1995, Rex, then aged 25, reported the abuse to Victoria Police after recognising the long-term impact it had had on his childhood and adolescent development. Police subsequently located additional complainants. Criminal Charges (1996) In February 1996, Bongiorno, then aged 61, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court charged with multiple counts of indecent assault involving three boys between 1981 and 1987, together with one charge of sexual penetration. He pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Cotterell committed Bongiorno to stand trial, finding there was sufficient evidence for a jury to convict. During the committal proceedings, Melbourne Archdiocese Vicar-General Monsignor Gerald Cudmore distributed a statement inviting victims of church sexual abuse to contact the Archdiocese. County Court Trials (1996) The trials were held in the Melbourne County Court in August 1996. The prosecution sought to have the allegations involving Rex and Fred heard together so the jury could consider the similarities between the complaints. Defence lawyers successfully argued that separate juries should hear each case. During the trials, several witnesses testified that they had seen Rex or Fred in Bongiorno's bed or knew that Bongiorno showered with the boys. Former assistant priest Father Gordon Gebbie acknowledged seeing Rex in Bongiorno's bedroom and bathroom but had not reported his concerns to child protection authorities. Despite the evidence, both juries acquitted Bongiorno. After the second trial concluded, some jurors reportedly learned there had been multiple complainants. The Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently withdrew the proposed third trial involving Adam. Compensation and Church Findings (1997) Although Bongiorno was acquitted in the criminal courts, the Victorian Crimes Compensation Tribunal reached a different conclusion. In 1997, the Tribunal accepted evidence that Bongiorno had repeatedly indecently assaulted Rex from 1981 onwards and awarded compensation for the psychological harm caused by the abuse. The Melbourne Archdiocese's Independent Commissioner, Peter O'Callaghan QC, also accepted complaints that Bongiorno had sexually abused children at Brunswick. The Archdiocese paid compensation to a number of victims. Following the publicity surrounding the allegations, Bongiorno remained on leave from ministry and did not return to parish work. Death (2002) Anthony Bongiorno died on 15 February 2002. His funeral was held at St Peter and St Paul Church, South Melbourne, attended by a number of Catholic priests. Father Graham Redfern played a leading role in arranging the funeral. Renewed Interest in the Maria James Murder (2012–2018) In 2012, Victoria Police reopened aspects of the investigation into the 1980 murder of Maria James. Maria's son, Adam James, told investigators that Bongiorno had sexually abused him as a child and that he had disclosed the abuse to his mother shortly before she was murdered. He stated that Maria intended confronting Bongiorno about the allegations. Senior Sergeant Ron Iddles sought to obtain Bongiorno's DNA for comparison with DNA recovered from the murder scene. After Bongiorno's family declined to assist, police applied to exhume his body for DNA testing. The Coroner refused the application, finding there was insufficient evidence to justify exhumation. In 2015, Victoria Police announced they were no longer investigating Bongiorno in connection with the Maria James homicide. In November 2018, Acting State Coroner Iain West announced that the coronial investigation into the death of Maria James would be reopened.

Brother Robert Charles Best was a member of the Christian Brothers who taught in Catholic schools across Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia for more than three decades. During that time he sexually abused numerous boys under his care. Although concerns about his behaviour were known within the Christian Brothers, he remained in ministry for many years before police investigations eventually led to multiple convictions and lengthy prison sentences. Early Life and Teaching Career Robert Charles Best was educated at Christian Brothers schools in Warrnambool and Bundoora before entering the Christian Brothers novitiate in 1960 at the age of 19. His teaching appointments included: 1963 – Christian Brothers school, Fremantle, Western Australia. 1967 – Christian Brothers school, Launceston, Tasmania. 1968–1973 – Principal of St Alipius Primary School, Ballarat East, Victoria, while living at St Patrick's College and supervising a dormitory. 1974 – Attached to a national pastoral institute in Melbourne and briefly taught at St Bernard's College, Moonee Ponds. 1975–1985 – St Leo's College, Box Hill, where he taught Grade 6 and junior secondary classes and later became Superior of the Christian Brothers community. 1985–1989 – St Joseph's College, Geelong, serving as Year 8 Coordinator. 1989–1994 – Warrnambool Christian Brothers College, where he specialised in Year 9 and was Superior of the Warrnambool Christian Brothers community. Abuse of Students Evidence presented in court established that Best deliberately targeted vulnerable boys. The abuse occurred in classrooms, his office, sick bays, school camps, sporting activities, swimming lessons and even during religious instruction classes. Victims described indecent touching, digital penetration and other sexual assaults. In some cases, other members of the Christian Brothers witnessed or became aware of the abuse but failed to report it, allowing Best continued access to children. Police Investigation In 1994, a former student from St Alipius contacted Victoria Police. Detectives interviewed Best and began locating former students, leading to a series of investigations that continued for more than two decades. First Court Proceedings (1996) Best first appeared before the Melbourne County Court in 1996, facing charges involving five boys from St Alipius Primary School. He was convicted of indecent assault against one victim and received a suspended sentence. The sentencing judge highlighted Best's abuse of trust as a teacher and principal, his position of authority and the vulnerability of the children. The judge also noted Best had shown no remorse. Despite this conviction, the Christian Brothers retained Best as a member of the Order and employed him in an administrative role. Further Convictions (1998) Additional victims came forward, resulting in further charges. In March 1998, Best was convicted on six counts involving two boys and sentenced to two years' imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of twelve months. Although these convictions were later overturned on appeal and a retrial did not proceed, further victims continued to report offences to police. Major Investigation (2002–2011) Between 2002 and 2009, Victoria Police gathered statements from former students at St Alipius, St Leo's College and St Joseph's College. Best was committed to stand trial on dozens of charges involving multiple victims. Because of legal rulings, separate juries heard many of the complaints, and strict suppression orders prevented media reporting until the proceedings concluded. In May 2011, after years of maintaining his innocence, Best pleaded guilty to several charges after prosecutors agreed to reduce one allegation. This ended the remaining trials. Overall, Best was convicted or pleaded guilty to 27 offences involving 11 victims. Sentencing in 2011 On 8 August 2011, Best was sentenced to 14 years and nine months' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 11 years and three months. The sentencing judge described the offences as a grave breach of trust by a teacher and spiritual leader who had preyed upon vulnerable boys. The court heard emotional victim impact statements detailing lifelong psychological trauma, broken relationships, addiction, depression and suicidal thoughts. Christian Brothers' Response Evidence presented to the Royal Commission showed that the Christian Brothers spent more than $1.5 million on legal costs defending Best during years of criminal proceedings. The Order publicly apologised to some victims following the 2011 convictions but continued to recognise Robert Charles Best as a member of the Christian Brothers. In evidence to the Royal Commission in 2015, the Order confirmed there were no plans to expel him. Further Charges and Final Sentence After the 2011 convictions, additional former students contacted Victoria Police. A further investigation resulted in Best pleading guilty in 2017 to offences against another 20 boys committed between 1968 and 1988. Judge Geoffrey Chettle described the continuing financial support provided to Best by the Christian Brothers as "gobsmacking" and criticised the hypocrisy of the situation. On 2 March 2017, Best received an additional sentence of 10 years and five months' imprisonment. In sentencing, Judge Chettle told Best: "Your offending was horrific... You caused lifelong misery for many people." The judge also accepted it was highly likely that Best would die in prison.

Teaching Career Brother Luke Francis Beltram was born around 1947 and was a member of the De La Salle Brothers. During his teaching career he served at several De La Salle schools in Victoria and New South Wales, including: St John's College, Dandenong, Victoria De La Salle College, Malvern, Victoria St Bede's College, East Bentleigh, Victoria De La Salle College, Dubbo, New South Wales Oakhill College, Castle Hill, New South Wales Brother Beltram died on 10 March 2000, aged 53. Allegations from St John's College, Dandenong A woman, identified publicly as "Delia", reported that her brother was sexually and physically abused by Brother Luke Beltram while attending St John's College, Dandenong, during the early 1970s. According to Delia, her brother was 14 years old when the abuse occurred. She said Brother Beltram regularly visited the family home under the guise of providing counselling after her brother's school performance deteriorated. During these visits, Brother Beltram spent extended periods alone with the boy in his bedroom. Before attending a school camp, Delia's brother reportedly pleaded with his parents not to make him go, telling them he would kill himself if forced to attend. After returning from the camp, he allegedly told his sister that Brother Beltram had physically assaulted him and she observed extensive bruising on his body. Delia said the abuse profoundly affected her brother's mental health and behaviour. Four years later, at the age of 18, he died after crashing his car into a power pole while heavily intoxicated. She later shared her family's story publicly in the hope that other former students who had experienced abuse by Brother Beltram would know they were not alone. Allegations from Oakhill College A second family has also publicly alleged abuse by Brother Luke Beltram. A woman identified as "Cynthia" reported that her son, referred to as "Basil", was sexually abused by Brother Beltram while attending Oakhill College, Castle Hill, New South Wales. According to Cynthia, around the year 2000, Basil sought assistance through the Catholic Church's Professional Standards Resource Group (PSRG). She stated that, instead of receiving pastoral support, Basil was sent information about the Church's Towards Healing process and was later visited by an investigator. Cynthia said her son found the investigator's manner intimidating and that the experience discouraged him from pursuing the matter further. Legacy The allegations concerning Brother Luke Beltram emerged after his death in March 2000, preventing any criminal investigation or prosecution. Former students and family members who have spoken publicly have described the lasting psychological impact they believe resulted from the alleged abuse and have encouraged other survivors to come forward and seek support.

Father Roger Michael Bellemore was a member of the Society of Mary (Marist Fathers) and served in New South Wales, Tasmania and Western Australia during a lengthy career. In February 2008, following years of court proceedings, the Tasmanian Supreme Court convicted him of multiple child sexual abuse offences committed while he was a teacher and boarding supervisor at Marist College in Burnie, Tasmania. Early Ministry and Teaching Roger Bellemore belonged to the Marist Fathers, a Catholic religious order that is separate from the Marist Brothers. The Marist Fathers have operated parishes throughout Australia and have also been involved in several Catholic secondary schools. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bellemore taught at Marist College (Marist Regional College) in Burnie, Tasmania. At the time, it was a boys-only boarding school. As both a teacher and boarding supervisor, Bellemore was responsible for the care of students during the day and at night. Court evidence later established that Bellemore occupied a private room above the junior dormitory. Boys were regularly taken to his room under the pretext of receiving extra tuition. Victims testified that Bellemore sexually abused them by indecently touching them and forcing them to touch him. Like many survivors of institutional abuse, the boys remained silent for decades because of fear, intimidation and the authority Bellemore held as both a priest and teacher. Ministry After Leaving Tasmania Bellemore left Marist College in 1972 and continued working in a variety of Catholic roles across Australia. His known appointments included: St Anne's Parish, Belmont, Western Australia, during the late 1970s. Holy Spirit College, Bellambi, New South Wales (believed to have taught there). Chaplain at Edmund Rice College, Wollongong, during the 1980s and early 1990s. St Patrick's Presbytery, Church Hill, Sydney (1995–1996). A Marist Fathers residence at Lane Cove, Sydney (1997–2002). Chaplain at St Pius X College, Chatswood, in 2003. He retired from ministry in 2003. Police Investigation In 2002, one former student reported Bellemore's abuse to police. Detectives subsequently identified additional victims, leading to a criminal investigation. When Bellemore was charged in 2004, he was living at a Marist Fathers residence in Sydney. Criminal Proceedings In May 2004, 68-year-old Bellemore appeared in the Burnie Magistrates Court charged with three counts of maintaining a sexual relationship with a person under 17 and one count of indecent assault. He pleaded not guilty and was committed to stand trial in the Tasmanian Supreme Court. During the pre-trial proceedings, the Marist Fathers funded an extensive legal defence. Defence lawyers sought to restrict media coverage and requested separate trials for each complainant. The court rejected that application and ordered a joint trial, allowing the jury to hear evidence from multiple victims. First Trial (2006) The first Supreme Court trial heard evidence relating to abuse committed between 1967 and 1971. Former students described being repeatedly called to Bellemore's room for supposed tutoring, where they were sexually abused. One complainant testified that he was assaulted on several occasions, while another told the court he was required to visit Bellemore's room up to three times a week for two years. The prosecutor argued that the strict school environment and Bellemore's position of authority prevented the boys from reporting the abuse. In February 2006, the jury unanimously found Bellemore guilty on all four charges. At his sentencing on 27 March 2006, the judge said Bellemore had abused the trust placed in him by both the students and their families, stating: "You were in a position of power and you abused that power." Bellemore was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of three years. Following the verdict, the Provincial of the Marist Fathers issued a public statement expressing regret and apologising without reservation to the former students and their families. Appeal and Retrial Bellemore appealed his convictions. In December 2006, the Tasmanian Court of Criminal Appeal quashed the convictions and ordered a retrial. After spending approximately nine months in prison, Bellemore was released on bail and returned to Sydney pending further proceedings. The retrial commenced in Launceston in July 2007. Bellemore again pleaded not guilty. However, after issues arose concerning witness evidence, the judge discharged the jury on 2 August 2007 and ordered a new trial. Third Trial and Final Conviction Bellemore's third trial began in the Launceston Supreme Court on 5 February 2008. On 12 February 2008, after deliberating for approximately two and a half hours, the jury found the 72-year-old guilty of three counts of maintaining a sexual relationship with boys aged between 12 and 15. Following the verdict, two victims read their impact statements to the court before Bellemore was remanded in custody. At sentencing, the judge imposed a sentence of four years' imprisonment with a non-parole period of two years, less time already served. The judge acknowledged Bellemore's poor health but ruled that imprisonment was necessary, stating that his offences represented a serious abuse of the trust placed in him as both a teacher and priest. The court found that Bellemore had exploited vulnerable boys for his own sexual gratification and that such conduct required strong public condemnation.

Father Charles Alfred Barnett was a Catholic priest and member of the Vincentian Fathers (also known as the Congregation of the Mission). Over a period of approximately 20 years, he sexually abused children in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. His crimes eventually resulted in multiple convictions and lengthy prison sentences. Early Life and Entry into the Priesthood Originally an Anglican, Charles Alfred Barnett lived at Stepney in Adelaide before converting to the Catholic Church as an adult. He began studying for the priesthood at St Francis Xavier Seminary in Rostrevor, South Australia. During the late 1960s, Vincentian seminarians completed their theological studies at Rostrevor. Barnett chose to join the Vincentian Fathers rather than enter a diocesan priesthood and was ordained as Father Charles Barnett CM, becoming a member of the Congregation of the Mission. At the time, the Vincentians operated throughout Australia, with communities in each mainland state and a national headquarters in Sydney. Ministry Throughout Australia Barnett first appeared in the Australian Catholic Directory in the early 1970s, when he was listed as living with the Vincentian community at Eastwood in Sydney. During the early 1970s, he is believed to have served at Mary Immaculate Parish in Southport on Queensland's Gold Coast. Parishioners from that period recall that he was sometimes known as Father Alf Barnett. The 1975 Catholic Directory listed him as a staff member of St Francis Xavier Seminary at Rostrevor, Adelaide. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Barnett worked in numerous parishes and institutions across Australia, including: St Teresa's Parish, Whyalla, South Australia. St Joseph's Parish, Malvern, Victoria. St Vincent's Parish, Ashfield, New South Wales. St Vincent's Parish, Wandal (Rockhampton), Queensland. Mary Immaculate Parish, Southport, Queensland. Former students and parishioners also recall Barnett visiting or working at: St Stanislaus College, Bathurst, New South Wales. Rostrevor College, Adelaide. The Kwinana Parish in Western Australia. While serving in Whyalla during the late 1970s, former students from St John's College recalled Barnett making "home visits" to boys. During this period he was also associated with communities in Port Pirie and Crystal Brook, where many of his later offences occurred. Military Chaplaincy The 1983 Catholic Directory listed Barnett as serving in Whyalla while also acting as a chaplain to Army Reserve units. Former Royal Australian Navy apprentices have also recalled Barnett serving during the mid-1980s as a Navy chaplain at HMAS Nirimba, Quakers Hill, New South Wales. St Mary's Parish, Sydney During the late 1980s, Barnett lived at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in St Marys, western Sydney. The parish priest at the time was Father Richard St John Cattell, who was later convicted of child sexual abuse offences. While at St Marys, Barnett became actively involved with the parish's Antioch youth movement, working closely with young people. Return to Queensland In the early 1990s, Barnett served at St Vincent's Parish in Wandal, Rockhampton. He became popular with many local families, some of whom allowed their sons to spend time alone with him or stay overnight at the presbytery while parents were away. By 1994, Barnett had become Parish Priest of Mary Immaculate Parish at Southport, Queensland, where he had previously served as an assistant priest. Departure from the Priesthood Between 1995 and 1997, the Australian Catholic Directory listed Barnett as being on leave. From 1998 onwards, his name no longer appeared in the directory. Barnett subsequently moved to Indonesia, where he taught English and operated a business. He was no longer working as a Catholic priest. Police Investigation and Extradition By 2006, South Australian police had gathered substantial evidence relating to Barnett's sexual abuse of children in South Australia. At the time, Australia had no extradition treaty with Indonesia. Following changes to extradition arrangements, Barnett became the first person extradited from Indonesia to Australia to face criminal charges. In February 2009, detectives from South Australia's Sexual Crime Investigation Branch arrested Barnett in Jakarta and returned him to Adelaide. In September 2009, the then 68-year-old appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with offences allegedly committed at Crystal Brook and Port Pirie between 1977 and 1985. The following month he pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault involving boys aged between 11 and 16 years. 2010 Conviction and Sentencing In June 2010, Barnett stood trial in the South Australian District Court. During the proceedings, the defence argued that Barnett had not appreciated the seriousness of his actions at the time of the offending. The court rejected that argument. In August 2010, Barnett was convicted and sentenced to six years and six months' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of four years. In sentencing, the judge stated that Barnett's crimes had "wrenched the innocence" from his victims and that the impact on them had been devastating. Further Convictions After completing his prison sentence, Barnett again appeared before the courts in 2018 on further South Australian charges involving the indecent assault of two children and the persistent sexual exploitation of another child. He pleaded guilty to the offences, which had also occurred during his time as a priest in the Port Pirie region more than three decades earlier. Ongoing Reports In 2019, another former student contacted Broken Rites indicating that he intended to report Barnett to South Australian police. Barnett's known offending spanned approximately two decades and multiple Australian states, with victims continuing to come forward many years after the abuse occurred

Early Life and Ministry Wilfred James "Billy" Baker was born on 1 July 1936. As a student, he boarded at Assumption College, Kilmore, where he was known by the nickname "Turd" Baker. He later studied for the priesthood at Corpus Christi College, Melbourne, and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1961. Throughout his ministry, Baker served in a number of Melbourne parishes, including: Jordanville (1962–1966) East Brighton (1966–1968) Mordialloc (1968–1969) Balaclava (1969–1971) Hospital Chaplaincy (1971–1974) Doveton (1974–1975) Gladstone Park (1975–1978) Eltham (1978–1992) North Richmond (1992–1997) Nearly all of these appointments, with the exception of North Richmond, later became the subject of criminal charges. Abuse of Children Baker admitted to committing numerous child sexual abuse offences over almost two decades. His offending began in 1960, while he was still training for the priesthood. One of his earliest known victims was abused at a migrant camp when Baker was 24 years old. Between 1960 and 1979, Baker sexually abused at least eight boys aged between 10 and 13 years, pleading guilty to 16 counts of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency. Most of his victims were altar boys or students from the parishes where he served. Baker commonly invited boys on weekend trips, often taking them to his parents' home in Maryborough, where they were required to share a bedroom with him. In at least one case he supplied alcohol to a child before sexually abusing him. Former parishioners recalled Baker frequently spending time around young boys at parish schools. He also regularly visited St Kevin's College in Toorak and his former school, Assumption College, Kilmore. Early Concerns Evidence later presented in court indicated that fellow priests and Church superiors were aware that Baker posed a risk to children during the early years of his ministry. Some observers have suggested that his transfer to hospital chaplaincy between 1971 and 1974 may have reflected concerns about his conduct. Despite these concerns, Baker returned to parish ministry where he continued to have unrestricted access to children. Gladstone Park Complaints While serving at the Church of the Good Shepherd parish in Gladstone Park during 1976 and 1977, Baker befriended a local family with a teenage son. The parents trusted Baker and allowed him regular access to their son, including visits to the family home under the pretext of helping with schoolwork. Baker also took the boy away on trips and later admitted to showering with him. In 1978, the boy's father formally complained about Baker's behaviour to the chairman of the parish school board, Brian Cosgriff, who was also a magistrate. Cosgriff consulted barrister Brendan Murphy. Rather than notifying police, both men reported the matter to Melbourne Archbishop Frank Little. According to evidence later heard in court, the complaint was never referred to police. Archbishop Little's secretary, Monsignor Peter Connors (later Bishop of Ballarat), met with the family and the matter remained confidential. Instead of removing Baker from ministry, the Archdiocese transferred him to Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Eltham. Parishioners at Gladstone Park were not informed why Baker was leaving, and parishioners at Eltham were not warned about the allegations against him. Continued Ministry As the sole priest at Eltham, Baker continued to work unsupervised and maintained extensive contact with families and children. Later, at St James Parish, North Richmond, he again served as the only priest. During the early 1990s, further complaints were made by parents who refused to allow their sons to serve as altar boys under Baker. Bishop Peter Connors prepared a report for the archdiocese concerning Baker. Despite the concerns raised, Baker remained in active parish ministry. Victims Come Forward On 25 November 1993, during increasing national attention on child sexual abuse within churches, one of Baker's victims wrote to the Melbourne Archdiocese describing how Baker had sexually assaulted him at Jordanville Parish in 1962. The victim criticized the Church for allowing Baker to remain in ministry despite the risk he posed to children. He also commented: "Despite the church's preoccupation with sexual morality, which continues today and has tended to create a guilt industry among my generation, it was apparently lax in applying the same strict codes to its ministers." The letter reportedly received no response, and Baker continued as parish priest at North Richmond. Another victim later contacted Victoria Police's Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Unit (SOCA). As police investigated that complaint, additional victims were identified and investigators uncovered evidence of the 1978 Gladstone Park complaint and the Church's handling of it. Administrative Leave and Criminal Proceedings In 1997, following police investigations, the Melbourne Archdiocese placed Baker on "administrative leave." On 15 June 1997, the Sunday Herald Sun published details of the allegations against Baker, including the Church's handling of the Gladstone Park complaint. During sentencing in the Melbourne County Court in June 1999, Judge Russell Lewis stated that Archbishop Frank Little had been informed of complaints against Baker in 1978, yet Baker had simply been transferred to another parish where he continued offending. Judge Lewis also observed that Baker's transfer reflected a broader practice of moving offending clergy between parishes rather than removing them from ministry. Baker was sentenced to four years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of two years. Despite the conviction, the Archdiocese was still paying Baker a living allowance in 1999. Many victims never reported their abuse to police. One additional victim, who had entered religious life himself, declined to give evidence despite ongoing psychiatric treatment. Later Charges In 2013, Baker appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on further child sexual abuse charges involving additional alleged victims. Following a committal hearing, he was committed to stand trial in the Victorian County Court. The case was believed to involve approximately eight male victims, including four brothers from one family. Before the trial could proceed, Baker died on 14 February 2014, aged 77. His death was not publicly announced for almost two weeks, during which time a private funeral was held. Following his death, additional allegations emerged, including claims that Baker had sexually abused three brothers in Queensland after first meeting the family during his time at Jordanville Parish in the 1960s. Legacy Some of Baker's offences occurred while he served in Doveton, a parish that over several decades was associated with multiple priests later convicted or accused of child sexual abuse. The Baker case has frequently been cited as an example of institutional failures within the Catholic Church, particularly the practice of responding to complaints by transferring offending clergy rather than reporting allegations to police, allowing further abuse to occur.

Father Damian Barker (died May 1998) was a member of the Carmelite Fathers who served as a chaplain and parish priest in Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales. During his ministry he served at: Parish of Port Melbourne/Middle Park, Victoria Christian Brothers College (CBC) Fremantle, Western Australia (Junior School Chaplain, approximately 1983–1985) Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Hilton, Western Australia Our Lady of Mount Carmel College, Sunbury, Victoria St Killian's Parish, Bendigo, Victoria (Parish Priest) Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Wentworthville, New South Wales (Parish Priest) Abuse Allegations Father Barker has been the subject of numerous historical allegations of child sexual abuse arising from his ministry at Christian Brothers College Fremantle, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Hilton, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel College in Sunbury. Multiple former students have alleged that Barker groomed and sexually abused children while serving as a school chaplain. Civil legal proceedings have since been commenced against the Carmelite Fathers and the Christian Brothers by former students who allege they were abused while Barker served at CBC Fremantle. Some reports have suggested there may have been dozens of victims, although the precise number has never been officially confirmed. Christian Brothers College Fremantle Many of the allegations relate to Barker's appointment as Junior School Chaplain at Christian Brothers College (CBC) Fremantle between 1983 and 1985. Former students have alleged that Barker established a lockable confessional room within the primary school where abuse occurred during confession. Others have described a pattern of grooming behaviour, including inappropriate physical contact, kissing students, and cultivating unusually close relationships with particular families. Several former students have also recalled long-standing rumours regarding Barker's behaviour during his time at the school. While some did not report being personally abused, they described conduct that, in hindsight, they considered inappropriate and concerning. Travis Adams' Civil Action In 2022, former CBC Fremantle student Travis Adams publicly alleged that Barker repeatedly sexually abused him while he attended the school. Mr Adams alleges the abuse occurred during private confessions in a lockable room within the primary school and later at a school camp. According to his account, he disclosed the abuse to his mother after the alleged assault at camp, following which he was withdrawn from the school. Mr Adams has since commenced civil proceedings against both the Carmelite Fathers (Victoria) and the Christian Brothers, alleging they failed to protect him from abuse. His allegations were widely reported by Australian media, including the ABC and The West Australian. Other Former Students Speak Out Following the publicity surrounding Mr Adams' case, additional former students came forward describing Barker's behaviour during the 1980s. Former students have reported: witnessing Barker kiss boys on the mouth; inappropriate physical contact with students; grooming behaviour towards certain children and families; concerns regarding Barker's heavy alcohol use; and incidents at school camps that reportedly caused concern among other staff members. Some former students stated they deliberately avoided Barker during confession because of his reputation for excessive physical affection. School Response Following the publication of the allegations, CBC Fremantle Principal Dominic Burgio wrote to former students acknowledging the seriousness of the claims. The College stated that child safety is now its highest priority and encouraged anyone with information about historical abuse to report it to police or the appropriate authorities. The school also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors and to preventing abuse from occurring again. CBC Fremantle, now governed by Edmund Rice Education Australia, has also publicly acknowledged the abuse suffered by former students in Christian Brothers schools. The College has installed a permanent memorial featuring an apology to survivors and victims of institutional child sexual abuse. Legacy Father Damian Barker died in May 1998. His ministry has since become the subject of multiple historical abuse allegations and civil litigation. The allegations have contributed to broader public scrutiny of institutional responses to child sexual abuse within both the Carmelite Fathers and Christian Brothers organisations.

Background Father John ("Jack") Ayers was a member of the Salesians of Don Bosco, a Catholic religious order founded by Saint John Bosco in Italy in 1859. The Salesians operate schools and youth services throughout Australia and internationally. The order has faced numerous historical allegations of child sexual abuse involving some of its members, and several former students have pursued civil claims relating to abuse that allegedly occurred in Salesian institutions. Allegations and Civil Settlement A former student who attended Salesian College Rupertswood in Sunbury, Victoria, between 1965 and 1967 alleged that he was sexually abused by Father John Ayers while he was a boarding student aged between 12 and 13. In 2000, after deciding to confront his experiences, the former student approached the Salesians regarding the alleged abuse. The matter was resolved through an out-of-court settlement. As part of the settlement, he signed a Deed of Release, preventing any future civil action against the Salesians in relation to the allegations. The deed identifies both Father John Ayers and the survivor. According to the settlement deed, the survivor alleged that between 1965 and 1967 he was unlawfully sexually and/or physically assaulted by Father Ayers while attending Salesian College Rupertswood. He further alleged that the assaults caused him physical and psychological injuries and that he might require counselling or therapy in the future. The claim also alleged negligence and breach of duty by the Salesians. The Salesians denied liability. The deed states that the settlement was reached "to avoid the cost, expense and inconvenience of litigation." Ministry and Assignments Father Ayers joined the Salesian order in the early 1950s. According to Salesian records, he helped establish Salesian College Chadstone in Melbourne in 1957, where he served as one of nine Salesian staff members. During the early 1960s, he taught at Salesian College in Brooklyn Park, Adelaide. Later in that decade, he was assigned to Salesian College Rupertswood in Sunbury, where the allegations relate. In the 1970s, Father Ayers worked at Boys Town, a Salesian residential facility for disadvantaged boys at Engadine, New South Wales. During the 1990s, Father Ayers was transferred to Salesian ministries in the Pacific. He was at one stage based at Moamoa Theological College in Samoa alongside fellow Australian Salesian Father Frank Klep. The 2010 edition of the Australian Catholic Directory continued to list Father Ayers as "currently overseas." Rupertswood College At the time of the alleged abuse, Salesian College Rupertswood was a boys-only boarding and day school. Female students were admitted in later years. Former students have described large dormitories accommodating approximately 100 junior boarders, supervised overnight by Salesian Brothers. The school community at the time reportedly included around 19 priests, brothers and lay brothers. The survivor involved in the settlement recalled feeling unsafe within parts of the school's main building and said the abuse had a profound impact on his childhood. He stated that he ran away from the school on several occasions and felt unable to report the alleged abuse because of the high level of trust afforded to Catholic clergy at the time. Police Investigation In 2011, the Victoria Police Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team reportedly gathered evidence relating to allegations against Father Ayers in Victoria. At that time, he was living in a nursing home in Samoa, where he died in 2012 at the age of 83. No criminal charges were heard against him in relation to the allegations described above.

Background Michael Scott Aulsebrook was a member of the Salesians of Don Bosco (Salesian Fathers), a Catholic religious order that operates a number of schools throughout Australia. During his career, Aulsebrook served in several educational roles, including Vice Principal and Boarding Coordinator at Salesian College Rupertswood in Sunbury, Victoria. The Salesian order has been the subject of significant scrutiny in Australia due to the number of historical child sexual abuse allegations involving members of the order. Multiple Salesian priests and brothers have been convicted of child sexual offences, including Michael Aulsebrook, David Rapson, Julian Fox, and former Rupertswood principal Frank Klep. Criminal Convictions Michael Aulsebrook was convicted on multiple occasions for child sexual abuse offences committed against boys under his care. In 2011, he appeared before the Melbourne County Court after pleading guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault involving a 12-year-old boy. The offences occurred in 1983 while Aulsebrook was responsible for students at Salesian College Rupertswood, a boarding school operated by the Salesians. The court heard that Aulsebrook groomed the victim by giving him treats and special attention before sexually abusing him in his office. He instructed the boy to keep the abuse secret, a common grooming tactic used by child sexual offenders. Evidence presented during later proceedings showed that this was not the only complaint made against Aulsebrook. In 1993, another former student reported abuse. That matter was resolved through an out-of-court settlement with the Catholic Church and did not result in criminal charges at the time. Knowledge Within the Salesian Order Despite complaints being made against Aulsebrook during the 1990s, he remained in ministry. Reports indicate that the Salesians arranged counselling for him rather than reporting the matter to police. In 2003, he was appointed Principal of Saint Mark's College in South Australia. Critics have pointed to this appointment as an example of the historical practice within some religious institutions of transferring accused clergy instead of removing them from positions involving children. Around 2000, Aulsebrook resigned from the priesthood and later worked in the Australian Public Service in Canberra. Further Convictions Following his initial conviction, additional victim-survivors came forward to Victoria Police. In 2016, Aulsebrook was convicted of raping a former student at Salesian College Rupertswood. The offence occurred in 1988 while he was serving as Boarding Coordinator. Although he pleaded not guilty, a jury found him guilty. He successfully appealed the conviction and was granted a retrial. However, a second jury again found him guilty. He was sentenced to seven years and six months' imprisonment. In 2019, Aulsebrook was again sentenced after pleading guilty to indecently assaulting a boy during a Salesian holiday camp in the mid-1980s. The victim did not disclose the abuse until 2016. During a police interview in 2017, Aulsebrook denied the allegation before later entering a guilty plea. His 2019 sentence added further time to the prison terms he was already serving. Legacy The convictions against Michael Aulsebrook have been cited as part of the broader history of institutional child sexual abuse within the Salesians of Don Bosco in Australia. His case has also raised continuing questions about how abuse complaints were handled within the Catholic Church, particularly where offenders remained in ministry or were transferred to new positions despite prior allegations. Personal Note Aulsebrook's twin sister, Margaret Harrod, later revealed that she had herself been sexually abused by Catholic priests. Together with journalist Sue Smethurst, she co-authored the memoir Blood on the Rosary, which recounts her experiences within religious life and the impact of clerical abuse. The experiences of both siblings illustrate the far-reaching consequences that child sexual abuse and institutional failures can have on victims, survivors, and their families.

Early Life and Ministry Father Clarence David Anderson, commonly known as Father David Anderson, was born in New South Wales around 1939. He trained for the priesthood in the Catholic Diocese of Lismore and was ordained during the 1960s. His ministry included appointments at parishes on the New South Wales north coast, including Macksville, Nambucca Heads, and Tweed Heads. Outside his parish work, Anderson was an enthusiastic surfer. Former victims have alleged that he used surfing trips and other recreational activities to establish relationships with boys and gain opportunities to abuse them. Alleged Abuse in the 1960s Former victims have alleged that Father Anderson sexually abused a number of boys during the mid to late 1960s. Several of the complainants came from families in which the father had died or was otherwise absent. According to the victims, Anderson cultivated close relationships with these families by presenting himself as a trusted priest and mentor. Macksville and Nambucca Heads One group of complaints involved two brothers who encountered Anderson while he was serving in the Macksville parish, including Nambucca Heads, between approximately 1966 and 1968. Their father had died, and their mother welcomed the priest into the family as a trusted adult and positive male influence. According to the brothers, Anderson took each boy surfing separately and allegedly began sexually abusing them during these outings. Neither brother knew at the time that the other was also being abused. One of the brothers later died in a motor vehicle accident in 1981. Another possible victim is also believed to have died by suicide. Tweed Heads Another family has alleged abuse while Anderson was serving in the Tweed Heads parish in 1969. The family consisted of a widowed mother raising three children without their father's support. One of the brothers later recalled regularly attending Mass at Nambucca Heads, where he would first go to confession before later being sexually abused by Father Anderson on the same day. According to the family, their mother was a devoted Catholic who trusted Anderson to provide guidance and support to her children. Leaving the Priesthood Father Anderson left the priesthood in 1970. He later married, settled in Queensland, and raised a family. He died in 1996, before allegations against him became known to police. Police and Church Complaints Around 2000, former victims began coming forward. One former victim provided a formal statement to police outlining allegations of sexual abuse committed by Anderson during the 1960s. Because Anderson had already died, no criminal prosecution could be commenced. The same victim later made a complaint to Church authorities. In 2003, a senior representative of the Diocese interviewed the victim and his mother. According to the family, they were told this was the first and only complaint the Diocese had received concerning Father Anderson. Compensation Claims During the early 2000s, a number of former victims sought compensation from the Catholic Church. One of those claimants had himself become a Catholic priest. It is believed this was the first known case in Australia in which a serving Catholic priest sought compensation from the Church as a survivor of child sexual abuse committed by another Catholic priest. Legacy Because Father Clarence David Anderson died in 1996, the allegations against him were never tested in a criminal court. Nevertheless, former victims have publicly described the profound and lifelong effects of the abuse they allege they suffered, including lasting psychological trauma, family disruption and, in some cases, tragic consequences for victims and their families. His case also illustrates a recurring pattern identified in many historical child sexual abuse cases within religious institutions, where offenders are alleged to have targeted vulnerable children from fatherless or otherwise disadvantaged families and used positions of trust within the Church to gain access to them.

Adderley served in the Bunbury Catholic diocese, Western Australia. He committed sexual crimes against boys in the 1960s and '70s. Adderley is deceased. Bertram Adderley previous to ordination, had been a lay teacher at the Christian Brothers' Aquinas College in Perth in the 1950s. He served as a priest in the Bunbury diocese from 1959 to 1974. In the early 1960s Fr Adderley was in charge of Catholic education in the Bunbury diocese. In 1965, following complaints about sexual abuse, he was assigned to parishes at Mannup and Manjimup. In 1975, he left parish ministry, recorded as being on leave, a term frequently utilized when perpetrators were sent to serve in ministry elsewhere. There are numerous incidences recorded of this common practice. Perth's Catholic archbishop consented to pay 2.45 million compensation after the victim Peter, now in his 50s, described being raped by Father Bertram Adderley in 1978 and 1980. The church had been made aware of Adderly’s abuse on numerous occasions and covered it up. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-21/catholic-church-rape-victim-speaks-after-historic-compensation/13077392 Statement by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costello https://www.perthcatholic.org.au/Our_Archdiocese-Archbishop-Latest_News-2021-Statement_from_Archbishop_Timothy_Costelloe_SDB.htm

From Christian Brother to Catholic priest Daniel John Virgil McMahon was a member of the Christian Brothers religious order who taught in Catholic boys’ schools in Western Australia from the 1960s through to the 1980s. Former pupils later made allegations of sexual abuse against him, and the Catholic Church subsequently reached settlements with some former students. What became particularly controversial was McMahon’s later transition from religious Brother to Catholic priest. In the early 1990s, he entered seminary formation and was eventually ordained for the Archdiocese of Hobart, despite complaints that had reportedly been made about his conduct while he was a Christian Brother. Early life and Christian Brothers McMahon began his schooling at Sacred Heart School in Ulverstone, Tasmania, before attending Catholic secondary education. By the early 1960s he had entered formation with the Christian Brothers. By the middle of the 1960s, he was teaching in Western Australia as a member of the Christian Brothers' Holy Spirit Province, which covered Western Australia and South Australia. His known Western Australian appointments included: · Aquinas College, Perth, a Catholic boarding school; · St Mark's College, Bedford; · Christian Brothers College, Highgate; · the junior school at Trinity College, Perth; and · Chisholm Catholic College, Perth. Later, McMahon worked as a counsellor within Catholic education, including advising students who might be considering vocations to the priesthood or religious life. Allegations emerge During the late 1980s and early 1990s, some former pupils who had by then become adults reportedly contacted Christian Brothers authorities and raised concerns about their experiences with McMahon while they were students. Around 1990, McMahon entered a seminary to train for the Catholic priesthood. He was accepted by the Archdiocese of Hobart, which has responsibility for the Catholic Church throughout Tasmania. He was subsequently ordained as a priest. Ministry in Tasmania Australian Catholic directories record McMahon as a priest of the Archdiocese of Hobart during the 1990s and early 2000s. In 1995, he was listed as serving in the Devonport parish, under parish priest Father Peter Nichols. From 1996 to 2000, he was listed in connection with the Bridgewater parish. From 2001 to 2003, he was listed at the Queenstown parish. Thus, a former Christian Brother who had taught children in Western Australia was later serving as a Catholic priest approximately 3,500 kilometres away in Tasmania. Former pupils come forward From about 1995 onwards, former pupils in Western Australia reportedly learned that McMahon had become a priest and independently contacted the Archdiocese of Hobart to report their experiences. In 2004, one former pupil sought financial assistance from the Catholic Church for medical treatment following an emotional breakdown that required hospitalisation. He attributed his difficulties to experiences during his childhood at Chisholm Catholic College. The Church's response did not satisfy the former pupil's family. His mother subsequently travelled from Western Australia to Tasmania and distributed leaflets describing the alleged impact of her son's experiences. The campaign attracted public attention in Tasmania. Following these developments, McMahon and the Archdiocese of Hobart reached an arrangement under which he retired early from permanent, full-time parish ministry. The 2009–2010 Australian Catholic Directory continued to list Reverend Daniel McMahon as a supplementary priest of the Hobart Archdiocese. This meant that he remained available for occasional parish duties or relieving ministry. Police investigation and death At least one former Western Australian pupil was encouraged to speak with Western Australia Police about allegations concerning McMahon. According to the account provided, McMahon became seriously ill by 2012 and died in Tasmania before police proceedings could result in him appearing before a court. Consequently, allegations against him were not tested through a criminal trial. Legacy McMahon's history raises questions about how allegations concerning members of religious orders were handled when those individuals later sought or obtained positions involving further contact with parishioners. The distinction between allegations, civil settlements and criminal convictions is important. While former pupils made allegations concerning McMahon and the Catholic Church reportedly reached settlements with some former pupils, the allegations were not determined by a criminal conviction against McMahon. His case also illustrates the importance of maintaining accurate historical records when allegations emerge, particularly where an individual subsequently moves between religious orders, dioceses or roles involving access to children and vulnerable people.