Advocates for abuse survivors welcome release of Beaumaris Primary School inquiry report

7 March 2024

John Rule, principal lawyer and head of the Victorian abuse law practice at Maurice Blackburn said:

“The tabling of this report marks a significant day in the healing process for survivors of abuse connected to Beaumaris Primary School.

“The inquiry’s recommendations – if adopted - will support survivors of abuse connected with Beaumaris, as well as survivors of historical abuse at Victorian schools more broadly.

“We particularly welcome the call for a statewide truth-telling process for survivors of abuse at any Victorian government school and relevant private schools.

“We strongly support the recommendation for a statewide apology, and the push to improve access to information and records at schools.

“We are pleased the Premier has already committed to providing a statewide apology and has indicated the Government wants to respond as quickly as it can to the report.

“We are also pleased the Premier has flagged the Government will consider the experience of abuse survivors at other schools as part of its response.

“We will continue to advocate on behalf of our clients for a broader inquiry into historical abuse at all Victorian schools.”

Further, Mr Rule said he would like to see action taken to improve how the Education Department engages with survivors during the legal process to avoid unnecessary delays that lead to further trauma.

“We look forward to the Government’s response to this report and its recommendations.”

Media enquires

Chee Chee Leung, Maurice Blackburn, 0412 560 584 or cleung@mauriceblackburn.com.au