Details

In acknowledging that child sexual abuse involving multiple teachers and multiple victim-survivors occurred at Beaumaris Primary School (and extending to other schools) during the 1960s and 1970s, the Victoria Government established the Inquiry with the aims of making an official public record of survivors' experiences, of developing a shared understanding among Victorians of the impact of child sexual abuse, and of supporting those affected.

The Process
The Inquiry accepted submissions until 12 October 2023. Public hearings were conducted to explore the following topics:

• Phase 1: Experience (23–24 October 2023)
• Phase 2: Accountability (15–17 November 2023)
• Phase 3: Support services and healing (23–24 November 2023)

In these hearings victim-survivors spoke publicly about their lived experiences, and a range of witnesses gave evidence for the purposes of examining the response of the Department of Education at the time, and of finding appropriate ways to support healing and to deliver effective support services to victim-survivors.

Governing Legislation
Inquiries Act (2014)

Governing Authority
Victorian Government

Public Hearings
Public hearings were held over seven days in October and November 2023.

Private Sessions
The Inquiry conducted private sessions, in a safe, private and trauma-informed environment, with victim-survivors, secondary victims (such as their families, friends and supporters), and affected community members.

Written Submissions
Some people provided witness statements without giving oral evidence. Some people gave oral evidence, whether they had provided a witness statement or not.

Institutions
Beaumaris Primary School; 24 other Victorian government schools were also in the scope of the Inquiry's terms of reference.

Findings
The Board of Inquiry found that the Department’s response to allegations of child sexual abuse between 1960 and 1994 was wholly inadequate, and amounted to an appalling and systemic failure.

Cost
Up to $4,500,000 was authorised.