Victorian Premier Ben Carroll Issues Formal Apology to School Abuse Survivors

In a session at Parliament House, Premier Ben Carroll offered a formal apology to survivors of child sexual abuse that occurred in Victorian state schools before 2000, citing the “terrible reality” of systemic shortcomings. The apology drew on testimonies gathered by the Forum for Truth and Recognition, the Beaumaris Board of Inquiry and a comprehensive systemic review, all of which identified lax oversight that allowed perpetrators to act unchecked.

The government highlighted reforms introduced since 2000, including Working with Children Checks, mandatory Child Safe Standards, the Reportable Conduct Scheme and stricter teacher registration rules. Opposition leader Jess Wilson urged policymakers to ensure ongoing transparency and to prevent a culture of denial. Arnold Thomas & Becker, representing over 730 former students from more than 460 schools, reported a steady flow of new allegations, some as recent as 2024, and noted that offenders were sometimes transferred between schools. While the apology was praised as a necessary step, experts like Kim Price emphasized the need for compensation, psychological care and medical support for survivors.