Diocese of Wagga Wagga Safeguarding Audit Report 2025

The Diocese of Wagga Wagga has recently completed an audit of its Safeguarding policies and procedures, as part of its ongoing commitment to building a strong safeguarding culture.

Bishop Mark Edwards OMI requested the audit, which was undertaken by ACSL, to reassure the community that the Catholic services in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga have a zero tolerance to abuse of any kind, and that they are keeping up to date with emerging safeguarding risks for children and vulnerable people.

With a Diocese that stretches from Khancoban in the east to Griffith and Yenda in the west, “We must do whatever it takes to continually ensure that our church environments are safe – parishes, ministries, community services and schools” Bishop Edwards said.

ACSL CEO Dr Ursula Stephens congratulated the Diocese on its safeguarding commitment.

“This audit evaluated governance, policies, procedures, and safeguarding practices across this large Diocese and Bishop Mark and the team are to be commended for their leadership, safeguarding culture, and ongoing investment in safeguarding.”

The audit revealed strong maturity in the safeguarding approach across the Diocese.

“There is a genuine and tangible commitment to safeguarding in the Diocese. On his appointment to the Diocese Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, conducted a review of Diocesan Safeguarding. He accepted all of the recommendations of the review and resourced the Safeguarding Unit it envisaged. These appointments continue to send a strong message to the Diocesan clergy and parishes of his priority of safeguarding.”

The audit team noted that “As the Bishop’s senior delegate, the Vicar General plays a pivotal leadership role in advocating for and modelling safeguarding practices, while the Professional Standards and Safeguarding Manager has been instrumental to ensuring the Diocese meeting its responsibilities in relation to handling individual safeguarding matters.”

Bishop Edwards OMI welcomes the results of the review audit which reflects the dedication of clergy, staff and volunteers who work to ensure that parishes ministries and services are places of safety, respect and trust.

“We have learned from the audit and welcome the recommendations made. We remain committed to ongoing improvement and accountability, and to fostering a culture where the dignity of every person is upheld.”

The full ACSL audit report is publicly available on ACSL’s website www.acsltd.org.au