Fr Paul Newton: Investigation into St Kevin’s Ormond and St Patrick’s Murrumbeena priest delayed

THE investigation into a Catholic priest stood down from two parishes in Melbourne’s inner south over alleged failures to comply with child safety legislation has been hit by a delay, a letter sent to parishioners has revealed.

THE investigation into a Catholic priest stood down from two parishes in Melbourne’s inner south over alleged failures to comply with child safety legislation has been delayed.

St Kevin’s Ormond and St Patrick’s Murrumbeena parish priest Father Paul Newton is under investigation after several parishioners raised concerns with the Commission for Children and Young People.

St Kevin’s Ormond and St Patrick’s Murrumbeena parish priest stood down

He went on administrative leave on June 6, but in a letter to parishioners dated September 20 and seen by the Leader, Archbishop Denis Hart said the investigation had “taken longer than expected” and would not be concluded until he returned from an overseas trip in late November.

Mr Hart said several parishioners had contacted him with concerns about the status of the independent investigation, but all parties must be considered.

Part of the letter sent to parishioners on September 20.

“I acknowledge the investigation has taken longer than expected and this has contributed to a sense of uncertainty in the parishes,” he said.

“However it has been important to ensure the process is fair and has proper regard to the rights of all persons involved.”

Mr Hart said it was “not possible or appropriate” to share details on the case, but he would make a decision on the matter after he returns from next month’s Synod of Bishops in Rome.

In a previous letter, he said the concerns related to “alleged breaches of the Archdiocese’s Code of Conduct, child safety legislation and related matters which need to be investigated”.

Mr Newton remains on leave, but St Patrick’s Murrumbeena’s website states “Fr Paul Newton, our new Parish Priest, is very supportive of the school and its relationship with the parish”.

St Patick’s Centre media director Shane Healy said “there will be no comment from the Archdiocese until the investigation is concluded upon the return of the Archbishop... in November”.

Both schools are on holidays and are unable to comment, but principals Jenny Hawkins and Helen Anania, previously said in an email that the matter was one for the Archdiocese and not for the school.

“While the investigation is underway, our schools will be working to make all support possible available, including counselling, for any students or family members who require it,” Ms Hawkins said in the email.

Bishop Peter Elliot, who took over from Mr Newton as parish priest, has been appointed as the Archdiocese administrator while the Archbishop is on leave and Father Leenus Neetany SAC will take over as parish priest.

The Child Safety scheme places obligations on school administrators ranging from putting policies and procedures in place up to mandatory reporting.

It is not known what aspect of the Child Safety Scheme Fr Newton is alleged to have contravened, however, it is not suggested that Fr Newton is himself accused of being a danger to children.

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