Correcting the record - Statement in response to article in The Weekend Australian on 10-11 June, "Church Needs 'levy' to fund sex abuse victims"

The reference to the St Vincent de Paul Society in The Weekend Australian article incorrectly states that the Society is an entity of the Catholic Church in Australia. This is not correct.

Our income and assets are held directly by us to provide assistance to people in need. They are not part of the finances of the Catholic Church in Australia.

The Society is an international organisation formed of lay Catholics who seek personal and spiritual growth through serving those in need. 

The Society was established in Australia in 1854. While our membership is primarily Catholic and our work is based on Catholic Social Teachings, we are not part of the formal Catholic Church.

Today, our 45,000 members across Australia give their time, care and compassion to assist the most vulnerable in our community.

We assist whoever seeks our support, without judgement or prejudice. We do not discriminate against cultural, religious, political, gender or gender identity beliefs.

The Society deeply values the trust and support that the Australian community has placed in the Society for almost 170 years.

On behalf of our members, it is important that the public record be corrected.

Mark Gaetani
National President
St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia

MEDIA CONTACT DETAILS: MOB: 0475 068 209 | E: media@svdp.org.au