SYDNEY – In a show of continued commitment to child protection and safeguarding, representatives of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) met last week with Daniele Donnini, Tutela Minorum safeguarding expert for the Asia/Oceania. The meeting marked a significant step in exploring collaborative efforts between the Commission and the Australian Church to enhance safeguarding practices across the region.

Held in Sydney, the meeting brought together members of the ACBC’s Bishops Commission for Professional Standards and Safeguarding, along with the ACBC Reference Group. Donnini presented an overview of the Commission’s global mandate, including the Universal Guidelines Framework (UGF), the Commission’s Annual Report, and the Memorare Initiative.

“The dialogue was very positive. The Australian Church expressed strong support for the work of the Commission and a readiness to collaborate in ways that both respond to local safeguarding needs and implement the global Church’s initiatives within specific cultural contexts.” – Daniele Donnini

Discussions focused on key areas such as the implementation of the UGF, the role of regional activities in promoting best practices, and the leadership potential of the Australian Church in safeguarding efforts throughout Asia and Oceania.

Several of the people present at the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference in Sydney, Australia would have recognized that something out of the ordinary was happening in the middle of the article.

Among the Australian initiatives highlighted were a universal code of conduct for all Church personnel—clergy, religious, and lay—a research project on the children of priests, and another on the abuse of women religious. These projects, Donnini noted, represent valuable contributions not only to the region but to the global Church.

Those present at the meeting included Bishop Gregory Bennet (Chair), Bishop Michael McCarthy, Bishop Michael Morrissey, Christine Kelly (Director, Professional Standards Office, Catholic Church – Queensland), Fr. David Ranson (Vicar General, Diocese of Broken Bay), and Mr. Francis Moore, who joined via Zoom. Moore is the former Executive Director of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and a trustee of St John of God Health Care. The Bishops’ Commission is supported by Executive Secretary Mrs. Louise Zavone.

“This meeting reaffirmed the Australian Church’s commitment to safeguarding and opened the door to meaningful regional cooperation. It is clear that shared knowledge and leadership will be critical as we move forward in building a Church where the dignity and safety of every person is protected.” – Daniele Donnini