Catholic Clergy Abuse - Melbourne Response
OVERVIEW
In 1996 the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne established an internal complaints and compensation scheme called the Melbourne Response.
The Melbourne Response is an alternative dispute resolution process designed to provide redress to victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by priests, religious and lay persons who fall within the jurisdiction of the Melbourne Archdiocese.
WALLER LEGAL HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN ASSISTING VICTIMS THROUGH THIS PROCESS AND ADVOCATING ON THEIR BEHALF.
We have recovered compensation for many people in claims progressed through the Melbourne Response. We help clients prepare their case to maximise their entitlements. We accompany them to meetings with the Independent Commissioner and appear on their behalf before the Assessment Panel (formerly the Compensation Panel)
We do not always recommend that clients progress a claim through the Melbourne Response. It’s important to get independent legal advice before deciding to participate. Clients may have a viable common law claim that could be worth much more than the current Melbourne Response cap which, as of 1 January 2017, is $150,000.00.
We strongly recommend that you do not sign away your legal rights without first obtaining independent and experienced legal advice.
Historically, civil claims against the Catholic Church have been notoriously difficult, with strict limitation periods and the existence of technical legal arguments, such as the “Ellis” defence. However, the legal landscape is transforming and claims in negligence are increasingly becoming a realistic option.
Further Compensation Payments
On 4 April 2014, the Melbourne Archdiocese announced that it would conduct an internal review into the Melbourne Response process.
On 18 November 2016, the Melbourne Archdiocese announced that that the cap of $75,000.00 will be increased to $150,000.00, with effect from 1 January 2017.
The Melbourne Archdiocese further confirmed that it would revisit matters that have previously settled through the Melbourne Response process with a view to providing a further compensation payment.
If you have previously settled a claim through the Melbourne Response, you are eligible for a further compensation payment.
If you are eligible for a further compensation payment, your additional payment will be calculated, as follows:
- If your matter proceeded through the Melbourne Response process after April 2014, the additional monetary payment will be the difference between what you would have received if a cap of $150,000.00 was in place at the relevant time less payments already received.
- If your matter proceeded through the Melbourne Response process before April 2014, the additional monetary payment will be the difference between what you would have received if a cap of $150,000.00 was in place at the relevant time less payments already received, adjusted for inflation.
Waller Legal can assist you with your application for your further compensation payment.
You will not need to have any direct communication with the Melbourne Archdiocese. You will not be required to attend any meetings with the Independent Commissioner or appear at any hearing before the Assessment Panel (formerly the Compensation Panel).
Waller Legal can monitor the progress of your application and ensure that you are paid the correct sum.
IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A COMPLAINT THROUGH MELBOURNE RESPONSE OR INVESTIGATE A POTENTIAL CIVIL CLAIM AGAINST THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE, PLEASE CALL US ON 03 9415 9999 TO HAVE A CONFIDENTIAL DISCUSSION ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS.