EREA Announcement
24 July 2026
EREA supports revised scheme to compensate victims and survivors of historical Christian Brothers abuse
The Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia have today agreed with the Christian Brothers Oceania Province to develop a revised scheme of arrangement that will compensate victims and survivors of historical abuse claims against the Christian Brothers in full.
The decision follows the recent announcement by Christian Brothers - the founders of EREA’s Charism in Australia - that they do not have sufficient funds to meet in full current and future compensation obligations.
“By supporting a revised scheme of arrangement we are committed to supporting those who have suffered abuse,” said Dr Stephen Brown, Chair of the Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia.
“We support the revised scheme because it is simply the right thing to do for victims and survivors to provide them a just and sustainable pathway,” Dr Brown said.
“This decision will also support the long-term sustainability of the educational ministry, including more than 44,000 students entrusted to EREA’s stewardship.”
In 2007, EREA was established as a separate entity and entrusted with responsibility for governing, operating and stewarding the schools solely for the advancement of its educational mission.
Under the foundational arrangement, historic abuse claims against the Christian Brothers that occurred prior to 1 October 2007 were exclusively handled by the Christian Brothers Oceania Province.
“EREA is committed to supporting those who have suffered abuse, so today we are seeking to provide reassurance that we will step in to address future funding shortfalls,” Dr Brown said.
“EREA touchstones are justice and solidarity, and inclusive community, and we are committed to ensuring the victim-survivors’ journey of healing continues.”
These complex arrangements will take six to eight weeks to document before being put to creditors to vote on, and then to the court for approval. The Trustees of EREA are committed to ensuring this occurs as expeditiously as possible.
While the proposed scheme requires these approvals as a condition to it being implemented, EREA considers that the terms of the new scheme of arrangement will result in a fair and just outcome for victims and survivors.
Dr Brown reassured all 44,000 students, young people, parents and staff at EREA’s 61 schools across Australia that the schools will continue to operate.
“It is critically important to the Trustees that the education ministry entrusted to their stewardship continues to flourish for all students now and into the future.”
“It is our fundamental responsibility to ensure our schools remain strong, stable and focused on their educational mission and the safety of children, young people and adults enrolled in our schools is our highest priority.”