Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Parramatta v Doepel

In this case, the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Parramatta took action against Doepel, a former senior IT manager, over alleged bribes. The dispute centred on the fiduciary's failure to properly scrutinise financial accounts, resulting in overcharging by a supplier. The matter was heard in the Supreme Court of New South Wales. The court had to determine the nature of the bribes paid to Doepel, the available remedies at common law, and the extent of the overcharging by the supplier.

The court first established that Doepel had indeed received bribes, which had led to overcharging. The fiduciary's failure to scrutinise the accounts was deliberate and constituted a breach of fiduciary duty. The court further found that the overcharging had caused a loss to the church. The remedy of account of profits was deemed appropriate, and Doepel was ordered to pay interest on the amount owed. The court also considered the set off of settlement funds against the amount owed.

The Supreme Court ordered Doepel to pay the church the total amount of the bribes and overcharging, with interest. The court allowed the set off of settlement funds against the total amount owed, resulting in a net payment of a specified sum. The decision emphasised the importance of fiduciaries fulfilling their duties and the potential consequences of failing to do so.