Advocates welcome government promise to adopt all Beaumaris Primary report recommendations

19 June 2024

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

“The Beaumaris Inquiry has made some important recommendations that should help victim-survivors feel heard, and we welcome the government accepting those recommendations. The review also highlighted wider issues, and we welcome the initiatives outlined by the Premier,“ Mr Rule said

“The adoption of the recommendations and the planned apology will support survivors of abuse connected with Beaumaris, as well as survivors of historical abuse at Victorian schools more broadly.”

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

“We have always strongly advocated for a statewide apology and so we commend the Premier for committing to delivering one once people are able to tell their stories of abuse through the truth telling process.”

“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 are also pleased that the government said it wants to hear from survivors of abuse that occurred before 2000.

“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.

Media enquires:
Paddy Murphy, Maurice Blackburn, 0490 297 391