SASVic initial response to the Victorian Government’s response to the Beaumaris Inquiry

Today, the government released its response to the Beaumaris Board of Inquiry Report. Our admiration to the survivors who made this inquiry happen, which has led to the government today unequivocally taking responsibility for the profound failure of its schools and the Department of Education.

We welcome the announcement of two new navigator roles to support survivors through the complex support system. It is very encouraging to see the government investing in navigator roles that will make survivors' quest for justice and recovery less gruelling.

However, we're disappointed that, yet again, there is no new funding for independent specialist sexual assault services. In contrast, the Department of Education, who enabled this violence over decades, will receive millions of dollars.

While memorials and apologies can be powerful, the pain and harm of historical child sexual abuse is not something in the past. Every day, survivors come forward to sexual assault services to tell their stories for the very first time. But these life-saving services are stretched.

We acknowledge the courage of survivors whose testimony to the inquiry showed that there is real need for systemic change.

Read our previous response to report of the Board of Inquiry.