26 June 2026

The announcement this week that the Trustees of the Christian Brothers intend to wind up their operations and sell or distribute their remaining assets could potentially impact hundreds of people who are seeking justice for childhood sexual abuse.

“We are not surprised by this move, but we are appalled. This latest legal manoeuvre by the Christian Brothers follows a pattern the Royal Commission documented in damning detail: delay and deny justice to survivors,” said Ian Murray, National President, Australian Lawyers Alliance.

“These are not abstract legal disputes. They concern children who were harmed by individuals in positions of trust, and in circumstances where the Church failed in their duty of care.

“Every procedural tactic used to avoid compensation compounds that original betrayal.

“The Australian Lawyers Alliance stands with survivors.

“ The plaintiff legal community will match every resource the Christian Brothers deploy and we are unwavering in our commitment to seeing that those who were harmed receive the justice they have waited far too long for.”