Uncertainty surrounds future of parish priest more than 12 months after being stood down

More than 12 months after being stood down, no decision has been made on the future of a parish priest in Melbourne’s south, with the Church saying it has not been able to reach a “mutually acceptable outcome”.

Father Paul Newton was asked to take administrative leave last year, after parishioners raised concerns with the Commission for Children and Young People.

Uncertainty surrounds the future of a Catholic priest stood down from two parishes in Melbourne’s inner south over alleged failures to comply with child safety laws.

Archbishop Peter Comensoli has revealed the Church was unable to a reach “a mutually acceptable outcome” in relation to St Kevin’s Ormond and St Patrick’s Murrumbeena parish priest Paul Newton.

In a letter to parishioners and parents on May 31, Archbishop Comensoli confirmed he had been working with Father Newton, through his canonical advocate (Church lawyer), to “find a path forward”.

“Regrettably, we have not yet been able to reach a mutually acceptable outcome. However, we continue to search for a way forward,” the Archbishop wrote.

Father Newton took administrative leave in June last year, at the request of then-Archbishop Denis Hart, after several parishioners raised allegations with the Commission for Children and Young People.

The investigation has been dogged with delays since.

Part of a letter sent to parishioners and parents on May 31. Picture: Supplied

In a letter to parishioners dated September 20 and seen by the Leader, then-Archbishop Hart said the investigation had “taken longer than expected” and would not be concluded until after his overseas trip in late November.

When he returned, Archbishop Comensoli confirmed the Church was not planning further civil action against Father Newton and defended the lengthy investigation time and lack of detail publicly revealed.

“I reiterate … the importance of ensuring the process was fair and respectful, and that all voices, including Father Paul’s, could be heard and considered,” he wrote.

The nature of the complaints has never been disclosed, but prompted a lengthy independent investigation about alleged professional misconduct by Fr Newton.

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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 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.

Archbishop Comensoli said he acknowledged it had been a “challenging time of uncertainty” for parishioners.

Broken Rites spokeswoman Chris MacIsaac said she hoped the church was adhering to routine safety checks and its outcomes.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne media spokesman Shane Healy said there was no further comment to be made and did not answer Leader’s questions.

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