However, the Queen's Counsel, David Grace, would not comment on the reports when contacted by The Courier on Wednesday. 

Bishop Mulkearns has been ordered to testify during proceedings against alleged pedophile priest ­Robert Claffey in Geelong  set down for next week. 

Despite the claims the church is paying Mr Grace, the diocese would also not comment on the reports. 

Survivor Phil Nagle said he was disappointed to hear reports the church had hired a QC for Bishop Mulkearns. 

“I am not surprised, the church will spend as much money to cover up what they did,” he said. 

While Mr Nagle said he believed Mulkearns wouldn’t testify, he also said it was good news that there was an attempt to force him to do so. 

Bishop Mulkearns was the Ballarat bishop when 107 substantiated abuse cases occurred in the 1960 and 70’s, including notorious paedophile Gerard Ridsdale, who gave evidence to the Royal Commission in May.

At an April 2013 state government inquiry into institutionalised sexual abuse hearing, current Ballarat Bishop Paul Bird and his predecessor Bishop Peter Connors both said Bishop Mulkearns had made “tragic mistakes” in his handling of clergy sexual abuse reports, including transferring priests to new parishes and recommending counselling and therapy instead of reporting them to police.

Survivor Peter Blenkiron said he wasn’t expected much from Bishop Mulkearns "who wasn’t brave enough to act back then.”

“Given what we have already seen regarding prominent hierarchy,” Mr Blenkiron said. 

“Does Mulkearns have the courage and fortitude to tell the truth and not use selective Vatican memory.

“Or will he toe the company line?” 

“Why would he be brave enough now. 

“We must trial a system in Ballarat to support and enable healing for survivors and the community.”

During the Royal Commission hearings in Ballarat, it was claimed the city’s diocese has a $100 million development fund.

But current Ballarat Bishop Paul Bird said it would still struggle to meet all clergy sex abuse compensation claims.