Slater and Gordon investigates class action for Beaumaris Primary School abuse survivors

A top law firm is investigating the possibility of launching a class action against the state government on behalf of historical sexual abuse survivors at Beaumaris Primary School.

A report found the government mishandled scores of sexual abuse allegations at Beaumaris Primary School. Picture: Ian Currie

A top law firm will consider launching a class action against the state government over its handling of historical child sexual abuse allegations at Beaumaris Primary School.

Slater and Gordon lawyers are looking into compensation claims and a potential class action on behalf of historical child sexual abuse survivors at Beaumaris and several other schools after damning findings of cover ups and non-existent reporting processes were released.

It comes after an inquiry led by Kathleen Foley SC tabled a scathing report into the Department of Education’s handling of sexual abuse allegations at the school spanning more than 30 years to parliament on Wednesday.

An inquiry is pobing historical child sexual abuse at Beaumaris Primary School. Picture: Ian Currie

Slater and Gordon’s abuse law practice leader Sam Carroll said the report’s findings were “deeply concerning”.

“It was clear the Victorian government did not have any processes in place to adequately respond to sexual abuse in government schools or to protect the safety of children’,” Mr Carroll said.

“It is our preliminary view that these failures may give rise to a potential claim for those affected by abuse at Victorian government schools during this time.

The law firm’s investigation was launched after the inquiry was directed not to examine any compensation arrangements.

The report tabled to parliament found there was no procedure to identify or report child sexual abuse between 1960 and 1994.

Ms Foley has called for a memorial at Beaumaris Primary School and “truth telling process” as a result of the department’s “systemic failure”.

“The Department failed in both its action and inaction,” she said.

“There was a culture of covering up child sexual abuse to prioritise the reputation of the education system, including schools and teachers.

“Because of a dearth of policies and procedures, there were no measures in place in the education system to identify, manage, respond to and prevent child sexual abuse.”

But Kim Price, leader of Arnold Thomas & Becker’s abuse practice, said a class action was not the best way for affected individuals to seek answers and compensation.

“It is astounding that any plaintiff law firm would say that a class action would be in the best interests of a survivor,” she said.

“Given the number of individuals impacted, across hundreds of schools and in different circumstances over many decades, each case needs to be assessed on its own facts so that the best outcome can be achieved for each survivor”.

Ms Price said survivors should “carefully consider” their legal options before joining any class action.

“Before entering a class action, seek independent legal advice as it may not be in your best interests,” she said.

Arnold Thomas & Becker is running more than 400 civil claims against Victorian schools for historical sexual abuse, which involves action against more than 250 schools.