Legal Structure

The Catholic Diocese of Townsville exists as a distinct Church entity under canon law known as a public juridical person. The Diocese's civil legal entity is The Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Townsville (‘the Corporation’).

This entity was incorporated by Letters Patent on 29 April 1931 under the Religious Educational and Charitable Institutions Act of 1861 (Qld) (‘RECI Act’). In 1967, this Act was amended to expand the powers of entities incorporated under the Act beyond the acquisition and holding of land, allowing them to undertake all actions, incidental or necessary to the attainment of the objects and powers of the Corporation. A Secretary and Public Officer is appointed by the Bishop to the Corporation.

Further, the Roman Catholic Church (Incorporation of Church Entities) Act 1994 (Qld) (‘ICE Act’) clarified and confirmed the legal capacity and powers of Catholic Church entities incorporated under the RECI Act. Section 25 of the ICE Act confirms that such corporations have all the powers and the legal capacity, of an individual when performing its objects or functions.

Through this civil law the Corporation owns property, operates its services, enters contracts, employs staff and registers and engages with government regulators.

Roles and Responsibilities

Bishop’s Council of Priests

Canon 495, §1: In each diocese there is to be established a council of priests, that is, a group of priests who represent the presbyterium and who are to be, as it were, the Bishop's senate. The Council's role is to assist the Bishop, in accordance with the law, in the governance of the diocese, so that the pastoral welfare of that part of the people of God entrusted to the Bishop may be most effectively promoted.

  In the Catholic Diocese of Townsville, the Bishop's Council of Priests meets at least four (4) times a year. The Bishop seeks the advice of the Council when prudence dictates. 

College of Consultors

Canon 502, §1: From among the members of the Council of Priests, the Diocesan Bishop freely appoints not fewer than six (and not more than twelve priests, who are for five years to constitute the college of consultors. To it belong the functions determined by law; on the expiry of the five-year period, it continues to exercise its functions until the new college is constituted. 

The Bishop must establish a College of Consultors. Under canon law the College has several responsibilities including:

  • To be consulted by the Bishop in appointing the Financial Administrator (Canon 494, §1).
  • To be consulted by the Bishop regarding acts of administration of major importance (Canon 1277).
  • To give consent regarding acts of extraordinary administration (Canon 1277).
  • To give consent for alienation of patrimony above the value set by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (Canon 1292, §1).

Diocesan Curia

Canon 469: The diocesan curia is composed of those institutes and persons who assist the Bishop in governing of the entire diocese, especially in directing pastoral action, in providing for the administration of the diocese, and in exercising judicial power.

The Senior Executives of the Diocese make up the Curia or working organisation of the Diocese. The Senior Executives provide leadership and management of the major diocesan agencies and key diocesan functions as well as advice and support to the Bishop within their various areas of expertise. They each report directly to the Bishop.

 Vicar General

Canon 475, §1: In each diocese the diocesan Bishop is to appoint a Vicar general to assist him in the governance of the whole diocese.

The  Vicar General deputises for the Bishop during any absence from the Diocese and who assists him most closely in the governance of the Diocese. The Vicar General is also a member of the College of Consultors.

Diocesan Finance Council

Canon 492, §1: In each diocese, a finance committee is to be established, presided over by the diocesan Bishop or his delegate. It is to be composed of at least three of Christ's faithful, expert in financial affairs and civil law, of outstanding integrity, and appointed by the Bishop.

The Bishop prudently seeks the advice of the Diocesan Finance Council in relation to all major financial decisions, and administrative and legal issues and risks which may have significant financial implications for the Diocese. The Diocese Finance Council has a significant role in assisting the Bishop in his financial administration of the Diocese by the advice and consents it offers.

Financial Administrator

Canon 494, §1: In each diocese, a financial administrator is to be appointed by the Bishop, after consulting the college of consultors and the finance committee. The financial administrator is to be expert in financial matters and of truly outstanding integrity

 The Financial Administrator is the Executive Officer to the Diocesan Finance Council, the Financial Administrator has a close working relationship with that Council and is responsible for assisting the Council in the execution of its responsibilities in accordance with the Code of Canon Law. 

Diocesan Agencies

The various works within the Diocese are organised into distinct agencies that report to the Bishop. This structure provides clear distinctions in responsibilities, management and governance and assists with compliance to government funding and taxation requirements. Each agency is directed on a day-to-day basis by a Senior Executive, each of whom reports to the Bishop. 

Agency Councils

The Bishop and the Senior Executives are assisted in their roles by advisory councils of governance (‘Agency Councils’).  In recognition of the scope and complexity of the diocesan activities, the Bishop has established these Councils to offer advice to him and the Senior Executives regarding the various activities and responsibilities of the agencies. Councils function in an advisory capacity.