The Diocesan Protection and Safety Council will report to and advise the Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Bill Wright.

A statement from the diocese said the new council would also consider such issues as promoting the protection of children and vulnerable adults within the diocese, and working to rebuild a sense of trust within the community about the diocese's commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults.

Bishop Wright said the council would foster a culture of continuous improvement in all matters relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

“The diocese has a particularly troubled history of failing to protect children from sexual abuse and, through these failures, allowed predatory individuals to continue to abuse,” Bishop Wright said.

“It is this sad history which sees us now at the forefront of safety and protection as we aim to continually push forward with any activities which minimise the risk for people suffering in the future.

“The newly formed council will offer independent advice to ensure that the diocese continues to develop its policies and practices in the field of professional standards.”

The council comprises a range of local and interstate professionals, chairman Peter Owens said.

“The council is deliberately diverse, with a mix of both Catholics and non-Catholics, clerics and lay people specialising in both the legal and mental health sectors,” Mr Owens said.

“It's this diversity which I believe sees the council well equipped to provide sound recommendations to the Bishop, but also to ensure these are seen through to implementation and integration within the everyday life of the diocese as well.”

The council will produce an annual report for each financial year.

It will detail the results of any evaluation or review processes, new developments implemented, and an operations summary of the Diocesan Protection Unit – Zimmerman Services.