Edmund Rice Education Australia Takes Over Compensation for Christian Brothers Abuse Victims

Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Trustees of the Christian Brothers in Oceania Province to assume responsibility for all current and future compensation claims related to historical child sexual abuse by the order. Under the revised scheme, survivors with existing settlements or court judgments will be paid in full, and new claimants can pursue EREA directly through civil litigation or the National Redress Scheme.

The arrangement follows the Christian Brothers’ declaration of financial collapse and the sale of its assets to fund a creditors’ scheme. The revised plan still requires approval from creditors and the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek welcomed the move, emphasizing that survivors should not have to wonder whether their claims will be met.