Lawyers launch suit against NSW Department of Education over alleged historical sexual abuse at Heathcote High School

A southern Sydney high school student was allegedly plied with drugs, cigarettes and abused on school grounds by a teacher, according to a lawyer who is urging witnesses to come forward with information.

Slater and Gordon Lawyers are urging witnesses to come forward over alleged historical child sexual abuse at Heathcote High School.

A Year 8 southern Sydney student was allegedly plied with drugs, cigarettes and abused on school grounds by a teacher, according to a lawsuit urging witnesses to come forward with information.

Slater and Gordon Lawyers have commended proceedings on behalf of a 55-year-old man in relation to the alleged sexual abuse at the hands of a teacher at Heathcote High School four decades ago.

The teacher has not been charged over the allegations and he no longer works at the school.

Abuse claims lawyer Karen Torres said the alleged abuse occurred in the school car park, classroom and public oval near the school in the early 1980s.

“We currently hold instructions from a client who say they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of this teacher multiple times between 1981 and 1983,” Ms Torres said.

“Our client alleges during the multiple accounts of abuse, he was plied with drugs and cigarettes.

The allegations date back four decades.

“Our client was in Year 8 when the alleged abuse began, and it has had a devastating impact on his life, which is why we’re seeking witnesses and any other victims to come forward to help us get them the justice, closure and compensation they need and deserve.”

Heathcote High School is a government school and falls under the supervision of the NSW Department of Education.

As a result of the lawsuit brought against the school, the Department has filed a cross-claim against the teacher.

The sexual abuse allegedly occurred at the school between 1981 to 1983.

“Our client alleges to have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of this teacher when he was supposed to be in care of the school,” Ms Torres said.

“What was supposed to be a safe space became the place of deep trauma that has permanently altered the course of our client’s life.”

Under NSW law, there is no longer a time limit on when child sex abuse compensation claims can be made, meaning victims can pursue a claim for damages regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.

“We believe there could be potential witnesses living in New South Wales or interstate,” Ms Torres said.

“If you witnessed this abuse at Heathcote High school, or if you are aware of any other incidents of abuse towards children at the school please do not hesitate to reach out to Slater and Gordon Lawyers.”

Ms Torres said any information received would be treated confidentially.