Media Release – 21 June, 2015 Anglican church forms company, abuse victims can sue

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Melbourne Anglicans have voted to form a company to make the church’s governance more transparent and encourage justice for victims of sexual abuse by giving them an entity from which to seek recompense.

The Melbourne diocese voted to incorporate at a special synod at St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday. It follows the other Victorian dioceses, Bendigo, Ballarat, Gippsland and Wangaratta, which have all done the same.

Melbourne Archbishop Philip Freier said the decision was also in response to the recommendation of the Victorian inquiry into clergy sex abuse, which recommended in its 2013 report that institutions take this action.

“The parliamentary inquiry commended the Anglican church for its response to sexual abuse, but we still felt we could do better,” Dr Freier said.

“This improves our transparency and our governance, and sets up an entity that is plainly legally responsible. It will help strengthen our public accountability.”

Incorporation also resolved WorkCover anomalies by ensuring clergy are considered employees.