Father Paul “Rex” Brown: Abuse in the Diocese of Lismore
Father Paul “Rex” Brown served as a Catholic priest within the Diocese of Lismore for decades, but his legacy has been overshadowed by multiple allegations of child sexual abuse. Despite Church knowledge of his crimes as early as the 1980s, Brown was not fully held accountable until the 1990s, when he was convicted of possessing child exploitation material.
Father Brown’s Ministry and Abuse
Paul “Rex” Brown held various positions within the Diocese of Lismore from the 1960s through the mid-1980s. He served in multiple parishes, including Tweed Heads, where he ran a “drop-in” centre for young boys, many of whom were homeless or vulnerable. Brown used his position of trust and access to these boys to engage in predatory behaviour. Survivors have come forward describing the manipulation and abuse they suffered at his hands.
One particularly troubling case is a young boy, “Eric”, who was just 14 when Brown convinced him to live in the parish house. Eric detailed years of abuse, including being groomed with alcohol and gifts. Despite Church leadership’s awareness of this arrangement, they turned a blind eye.
This case, along with others, demonstrates an apparent failure of the Diocese to protect children from harm.
Conviction and Continuing Influence
In 1996, Father Brown was convicted of possessing child pornography following a police raid at his Palm Beach residence. Though more severe charges of abuse were not pursued, this conviction highlighted his predatory behaviour. Despite this, Brown continued to be involved in Catholic communities until his death and even received full Church honours during his funeral.
Abuse Survivors’ Stories
Among the many survivors, Jennifer Ingham bravely came forward to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, detailing the horrific abuse she suffered between 1978 and 1982. Despite reporting the abuse to Church authorities in the 1990s, it wasn’t until 2013 that she received a formal apology.
Her case and the courage of others like her underscore the importance of seeking justice and holding institutions accountable for enabling such behaviour.
Encouraging Survivors to Come Forward
At Koffels Solicitors and Barristers, we are committed to helping survivors of Father Paul “Rex” Brown and others like him seek compensation for the harm they have endured. Survivors are often left to cope with the trauma of abuse on their own, but the legal process offers an opportunity for validation and restitution. Coming forward is not easy, but it is vital in reclaiming power and pursuing justice.
By holding the Catholic Church accountable for its role in enabling Brown’s misconduct, survivors can not only seek financial compensation but also help prevent similar failures in the future.
If you or someone you know was affected by Father Paul “Rex” Brown’s actions, now is the time to speak out. Koffels Solicitors and Barristers are here to support you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today to explore your options for seeking justice and compensation.
