AN upgraded child protection unit has begun operating within the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Former agency Zimmerman Services will become the Office of Safeguarding, the diocese announced on Monday.
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Director of safeguarding Sean Tynan, formerly head of Zimmerman Services, said the agency was "empowered to test every part of the diocese".
"I understand people being sceptical, I respect people wanting to see actions, not hear words. But you can't deny the evidence, the establishment of the Office of Safeguarding is a significant and concrete example of the Diocese's commitment to safeguard children and vulnerable adults," he said.
"In the coming years we'll consistently demonstrate that reality, not to prove anything but because it's who we are and what we do."
Bishop Bill Wright said a "silent tragedy" led to Zimmerman Services' establishment and the Office of Safeguarding would promote child protection as an expression of Catholicism.
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