The Christian Brothers said they couldn’t afford to compensate survivors of child sexual abuse.

 

Today, there is renewed hope.

 

A new Memorandum of Understanding proposes that the Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia (TEREA) take responsibility for current and future abuse claims against the Christian Brothers’ Scheme Entities, subject to Court and creditor approval.

 

For thousands of survivors, this could represent a significant step towards long-overdue accountability.

 

“Our clients have spent years navigating an incredibly hostile legal landscape,” said Arnold Thomas & Becker Principal Jodie Harris.

 

“For decades, claims were restricted or entirely defeated by technical legal defences routinely deployed by the Christian Brothers. Today’s news brings long-awaited hope to so many impacted by historical abuse.”

 

Arnold Thomas & Becker represents more than 100 survivors of Christian Brothers institutions and more than 2,000 survivors of institutional sexual abuse across Australia.

 

A Court hearing beginning on 21 September 2026 will determine how the proposed scheme will operate.

 

If you experienced abuse at a Christian Brothers institution, or believe you may have a claim, now is the time to seek legal advice so you understand your rights and any steps you may need to take to protect your entitlement to compensation.

 

Contact Arnold Thomas & Becker on 1300 333 300 for a confidential, obligation-free discussion with our experienced Institutional Abuse team.