"Hearings are open to the public and can be viewed via a webstream on our Videos page, or attending in person. Please be advised that there is limited seating capacity at the public hearings, and your entry cannot be guaranteed. Written transcripts from each day of hearings can be viewed on the Transcripts page .
Public hearings are an important part of the Inquiry’s process and will occur in phases throughout the duration of the Inquiry’s work.
They will provide an opportunity to hear experiences from victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools and from their families, friends, loved ones and supporters. Victim-survivors’ evidence will be heard directly, and through Counsel Assisting.
Public hearings will also involve a range of witnesses for the purpose of examining the response of the Department of Education at the time, appropriate ways to support healing, and how to deliver effective support services to victim-survivors.
The evidence gathered will help to build a permanent and public record, enabling acknowledgment of and accountability for what occurred and uncovering lessons that may be important moving forward.
Schedule
Public hearings are currently scheduled for the following dates:
Phase 1: Monday 23 October – Tuesday 24 October
Topic
Understanding the effects of historical child sexual abuse in government schools and the individual and shared experiences of victim-survivors, secondary victims and impacted community members.
Starting at 10am Monday 23 October, Week 1 will include an opening address from the Chair, Kathleen Foley SC; an opening address from Counsel Assisting, Fiona Ryan SC; evidence from victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in government schools, and relevant expert witnesses.
Further public hearing updates will be published on this webpage in due course.
Location
Yoorook Justice Commission
Level 9, 54 Wellington Street, Collingwood
(Google Maps)
The hearings will take place in the premises of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, which has purpose-built facilities for public hearings.
The Yoorrook Justice Commission is the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria. We acknowledge the support they have provided to the Inquiry and wish to express our gratitude for the use of their premises."
Our thoughts are with all victim/survivors, their families, friends and communities, who are part of the truth-telling process.
We are stronger together.