22. Anglican Church Southern Queensland: Time for Transparency and Accountability

Let me start this by quoting directly from an email sent to me by The Southport School’s current Headmaster, former student, and all-round "active Anglican":

"The issues of the past – whether they have been the subject of legal action or not – are not within my power to change. But I can assure you that The Southport School of today is open and responsive to dealing with claims of abuse, sexual or otherwise.

This attitude is supported by robust procedures and policies to protect our students and our community."

Andrew Hawkins, 1 August 2023

In response to this statement: I now must question: If it is not within his power to change the past—and I assume he would include influence in that statement—then, as a Headmaster earning a seven-figure salary per year, paid by the same religious institution that benefits from a tax-exempt charitable status.

Can Andrew Hawkins truly claim to be the right person for this role?

While these words express a sentiment of progress and responsibility, they also raise critical questions about what has truly changed within Anglican institutions like The Southport School (TSS) and the broader Anglican Church Southern Queensland (ACSQ).

Are these "robust procedures and policies" effective, or are they merely promises without substance? The Church and its schools must demonstrate genuine accountability by being transparent about their decisions, reporting, and training measures.

The Evolution of Safeguarding Policies

Before the 2024 protocol, ACSQ implemented several policies aimed at safeguarding children and preventing abuse:

1. Policy for the Protection of Children in Ministry Units (2021):

   • This policy, effective from 5 July 2021, outlined standards to prevent child abuse in ministry settings and detailed responses to allegations of abuse or harm.

     
     

2. Risk Management Strategy for Child and Youth Ministries:

   • Provided a framework for identifying and mitigating risks in child and youth programs.

     
     

3. Code of Conduct for Ministry to Children:

   • Established behavioral standards for church workers to ensure safe and professional conduct.

4. Faithfulness in Service:

   • A national code outlining personal behavior and pastoral standards for clergy and church workers.

     
     

5. Mandatory Child Protection Training:

   • Required all church workers involved with children to complete training every three years.

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6. Procedures for Reporting and Responding to Abuse:

   • Guided church workers on how to handle and report allegations of abuse or harm.

Before 2021, ACSQ relied on the Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Children – Parishes (2010), which had a more limited scope, focusing only on parishes. The 2024 protocol expanded this to include all ministry units and introduced centralised oversight through the Office of Safe Ministry.

Is the 2024 Protocol Enough??

While the 2024 protocol represents a significant improvement, critical gaps remain. The Church has not yet provided public reports evaluating the effectiveness of its safeguarding policies, and specific law enforcement investigations into abuse allegations in Anglican schools remain scarce. The role of faculty members and headmasters in handling abuse allegations also warrants closer scrutiny.

Key Differences in Policies:

The Role of Schools and Leadership

Faculty members and school headmasters have a critical role in creating safe environments for students. However, past reports indicate instances where abuse was mishandled internally, and leadership failed to escalate allegations to law enforcement. This pattern highlights systemic issues in how institutions prioritize their reputations over the safety of children.

The 2024 protocol now mandates centralized reporting to the Office of Safe Ministry, but questions remain:

• How are schools ensuring compliance with the protocol?

  
  

• What training and accountability measures are in place for headmasters and faculty?

  
  

• How are schools collaborating with law enforcement to investigate allegations?

What Needs to Change

1. Transparent Reporting:

   • ACSQ must release detailed annual reports on abuse allegations, investigations, and outcomes. This transparency is essential for rebuilding trust.

     
     

2. Independent Oversight:

   • An independent body should oversee investigations and compliance, reducing potential conflicts of interest.

     
     

3. Enhanced Training:

   • Regular, mandatory training for all faculty, staff, and clergy must focus on recognizing and responding to abuse, understanding legal obligations, and fostering a culture of vigilance.

     
     

4. Accountability for Leadership:

   • School headmasters and faculty must be held accountable for implementing safeguarding measures and responding appropriately to allegations. Regular audits and external reviews should ensure compliance.

     
     

5. Victim Support Systems:

   • Accessible counselling, advocacy, and pathways for redress must be a priority to support victims and encourage reporting.

A Call to Action

The Anglican Church must take bold steps to address the systemic failures highlighted by the Royal Commission and subsequent findings. Transparent reporting, external oversight, and strong leadership accountability are not just recommended but necessary.

The Church’s motto, "Faithful to Mission," demands a commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable. It’s time for ACSQ to demonstrate that commitment through action, not just words.

The victims, the survivors, the community, and future generations deserve nothing less.

For more information or to report concerns, contact the Office of Safe Ministry at 1800 242 544 or via email at safeministry@anglicanchurchsq.org.au.