National

Education officials at historical child abuse inquiry

By AAP Newswire

Nov 15, 2023

A file photo of David Howes — Education Department deputy secretary David Howes will give evidence at an inquiry. -AAP Image

The question of who is accountable for historical child sexual abuse at Victorian government primary schools will be under the microscope as the focus of an official investigation shifts direction.

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An independent board of inquiry is examining abuse at Beaumaris Primary School in Melbourne and 22 other schools in the 1960s up until 1999.

On Wednesday, the Deputy Secretary of Victoria's Education Department Dr David Howes will front the inquiry's second phase of public hearings.

Victim-survivors and witnesses are also set to give evidence until the end of the week before attention turns to support services and healing.

The first phase of public hearings heard directly from victim-survivors while private hearings were also held by people who wished to remain anonymous.

One former student referred to by the pseudonym Bernard told the inquiry he believed some staff at Beaumaris Primary School knew teachers were abusing students but did nothing to stop it.

Counsel Assisting Fiona Ryan SC said many others described the fear of embarrassing families if they reported the abuse or being scared of not being believed.

Hearings are open to the public and can be viewed online or in person at the Yoorrook Justice Commission in Collingwood.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press