Safeguarding
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
The Catholic Diocese of Townsville believes that children, young people and vulnerable adults are a gift from God with an intrinsic right to dignity of life, respect and security from physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological harm.
The Diocese has established a policy and risk management strategy, comprising of eight key procedures to do everything in its power to provide a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults. The policy and procedures are governed by current legislation to safeguard, ensure legislated compliance and be accountable and transparent in all ministries undertaken by the Church.
Your feedback is valued and we want you to have a voice so our safeguarding practice in the Church is effective and continually improved. Please contact Craig Brereton, Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator for feedback or if you have any concerns or complaints. Alternatively you can contact the Queensland Professional Standards Office if you have a complaint or are concerned about the conduct of anyone involved in the Catholic Church.
If you, or someone you know, has been abused, or you are concerned about conduct that may amount to a criminal offence, you must report the incident directly to the police under the new Failure to Report, Failure to Protect legislation.
Safeguarding Contacts
Craig Brereton, Diocese of Townsville Director - Safeguarding, Culture and Shared Services
Phone: (07) 4726 3264
Email: cbrereton@tsv.catholic.org.au
Queensland Professional Standards Office - Catholic Church
Phone: 1800 337 928 (free call)
Email: psoqld@catholic.net.au
Queensland Police Service
Emergency - 000
Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU) - (07) 4759 9743
Policelink - 131 444 (Request a receipt QPRIME number for your records)
Safeguarding Risk Management Strategy
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy
Catholic Diocese of Townsville Safeguarding Risk Management Framework
- Statement of Commitment
- Safe Conduct Standards
- Safe People, Safe Practices & Safe Places
- Handling disclosures or suspicions of harm
- Managing breaches of the Risk Management Framework
- Risk management for settings, activities and physical environments
- Compliance with the requirements of the Blue Card system
- Communication and support
ACSL National Safeguarding Standard Audit 
Townsville Diocese has embraced child safeguarding standards, according to an audit report published by Australian Catholic Safeguarding Ltd. The audit, completed between March and June 2024, assessed the diocese’s implementation of child safeguarding practices outlined in the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (NCSS).
The audit found that the diocese has fully or substantially progressed the implementation of 100 per cent of the NCSS indicators relevant to its operations.
View the Diocese of Townsville’s audit report on ACSL’s website.
Supporting Documents/Forms
Safeguarding Concern or Feedback
Useful Links
- Townsville Catholic Education – Student Protection www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/about/student-protection/
- Australian Catholic University – Safeguarding Children and Young People Portal www.safeguardingchildren.acu.edu.au/
- Resources for Child Safety Standards https://www.qfcc.
qld.gov.au/childsafe/ standards/resources - Australian Catholic Safeguarding Limited – Monitoring National Catholic Safeguarding Standards www.acsltd.org.au
- Queensland Professional Standards Office – Catholic Church www.psoqld.catholic.net.au/
- National Redress Scheme https://www.nationalredress.
gov.au/ - Queensland Police Service www.police.qld.gov.au/
- Office of Public Guardian Queensland – Vulnerable Children and Adults under Guardianship Orders www.publicguardian.qld.gov.au/
- Blue Card Services - Churches, clubs and associations https://bluecard.qld.gov.au/
volunteers/ Churchesclubsandassociationsin volvingchildren.html - Family and Child Connect – Support for a range of family and parent challenges http://familychildconnect.org.au/
- Child Safety Services – For Family Support and/or Reporting a Child Safety Concern www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety/child-safety-services
- Reportable Conduct Scheme https://www.qfcc.qld.
gov.au/childsafe/reportable- conduct-scheme
266-270 Stanley Street
(PO Box 6149) Townsville, Qld 4810
The Catholic Diocese of Townsville acknowledges the occupation and care of the land, waterways and sea by Traditional Custodians and their continual cultural connection to Country as expressed through their history, music, language, songs, art and dancing. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as having the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.