A culture of safeguarding is well embedded across Brisbane Archdiocese’s ministries and agencies, according to a recent safeguarding audit. Source: ACSL.
The archdiocese has achieved a very high maturity rating under the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS), affirming its strong and sustained commitment to creating safe environments for children and adults at risk.
Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd chief executive Ursula Stephens congratulated Brisbane Archdiocese on its safeguarding commitment.
“The Archdiocese of Brisbane was subject to its first safeguarding audit under the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS) in 2019, where it was found to be compliant with existing regulation and Child Safe principles,” Dr Stephens said.
“This review audit included consideration of the care and protection of adults at risk, as part of the revised NCSS.”
In a significant development for this audit cycle, Centacare services, Catholic Early EdCare services, Brisbane Catholic Education schools, and Archdiocesan Ministries participated for the first time, together with a sample of 15 parishes.
Their inclusion provided a comprehensive view of safeguarding practice across the breadth of the archdiocesan parishes, ministries and services.
The extensive audit evaluated governance, policies, procedures, and safeguarding practices across these diverse service areas.
ACSL commended the archdiocese for its clear leadership, well-established safeguarding culture, and ongoing investment in continuous improvement.
Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay welcomed the findings, noting that safeguarding is fundamental to the mission of the Church.
“This result reflects the dedication of our clergy, staff, and volunteers who work each day to ensure our parishes, ministries, and services are places of safety, respect, and trust,” Archbishop Mackinlay said.
“We remain committed to ongoing improvement and accountability, and to fostering a culture where the dignity of every person is upheld.”
Director of Safeguarding, Mark Eustance, said the result demonstrates the effectiveness of the archdiocese’s robust and integrated approach to safeguarding.
“The inclusion of our education, care, welfare, and ministry services in this audit has given us a deeper and more holistic understanding of our safeguarding strengths. The audit highlights both what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve. Safeguarding is an ongoing effort – it requires vigilance, transparency, and collaboration.”
The archdiocese has already begun implementing the report’s recommendations and will continue to support all parishes, ministries, and services in embedding the NCSS in daily practice.
The full ACSL audit report is publicly available on ACSL’s website.
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