13 November 2021
The suggestion that Catholic schools and hospitals levy families and patients to fund sexual
abuse payouts lacks substance and won’t go ahead (‘Call for Catholic tax to fund abuse crisis’,
The Australian, 13 November).
The notion that Catholic school families or patients would voluntarily pay a 1% levy is nonsensical, lacks any official standing and has no support from Church agencies and leaders.
Recompense for those who have suffered abuse is vital, but ‘taxing’ those who use its educational, health and social services is not a viable way to address the issue.
The Church is divesting assets, supporting small dioceses and contributing to Catholic Church Insurance to ensure it meets its responsibilities, without the need to place financial burdens on families.
Jacinta Collins
National Catholic Education executive director
