The Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne has responded to articles in the Age on December 3 and 6 which reported allegations of sexual abuse against a Marianist Brother.
In a statement posted on the archdiocese's website, Bishop Les Tomlinson, said: "The Marianists provided members of their congregation from the USA to lead and staff St Paul's College, Altona. The Archdiocese and the Catholic Education Office have checked their records and inquiries have been made of the Parish Priest from Altona during the 1990s and there is no record of any complaint of abuse having been received..."
"The allegations of Ms Mairead Ashcroft reported in the Age of December 3 were investigated by Towards Healing. The allegations of the anonymous complainant referred to in the Age of December 6 states that the woman claims she was told by unidentified Church officials that the brother would be 'monitored' by the Church in the US. While no allegation in relation to (the brother) has been officially made to the Archdiocese, there is also no record of the Archdiocese committing to (his) being monitored in the US. All victims of abuse are encouraged to report allegations of criminal conduct to Victoria Police."