BISHOP William Morris of Toowoomba has again apologised to the families of children sexually abused by Gerard Vincent Byrnes following the former teacher’s sentencing to 10 years’ imprisonment for the offences.
Bishop Morris said in a statement released on October 4, the date of Byrnes’ sentencing, he was committed to ensuring the apology was supported by action.
Byrnes, 61, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to 44 sex abuse charges involving 13 students at a Catholic primary school in Toowoomba diocese, was sentenced in Toowoomba District Court.
Bishop Morris said “while (the) sentencing may be the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, it does not mean the matter is finalised or the journey of healing is in any way complete for the victims or their families”.
“I again offer a sincere apology for the abuse suffered by these children while under the care of the diocese,” he said.
“I can only begin to imagine the suffering the victims and their families have experienced as a result of this former teacher’s gross breach of trust and abhorrent actions.
“I have again written to the victims’ parents offering my apologies for the abuse suffered by their children and restating my offer to meet with them.
“I am committed to ensuring that our apology is supported by action.”
Bishop Morris said part of this action involved the appointment of former High Court Justice Ian Callinan QC as an independent mediator.
This appointment is to “expedite the resolution of civil claims brought on behalf of the affected children”, the bishop said.
Other actions will include ongoing pastoral care and counselling and improvements to child protection policies, procedures and training in co-operation with regulatory authorities.
Bishop Morris’ statement also mentioned the appointment of a full-time diocesan student protection officer “who is working with Toowoomba Catholic Education personnel to heighten their vigilance for child protection and ensure they remain fully aware of the procedures to be followed”.
The bishop’s statement concluded: “Unfortunately, I cannot change what has happened.
“However, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to ensure events such as these never happen again.
“I reiterate that the victims and their families remain my highest priority.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”
