Sharing an update we have just received from the Victorian Department of Education."Next steps for Department of Education consultation and engagement with community.
Background
The Victorian Government responded to the recommendations made by the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools (Board of Inquiry) in June 2024
The Government accepted all 9 recommendations made by the Board of Inquiry and committed to a genuine stakeholder engagement process, informed by best-practice principles and facilitated by independent experts with the appropriate skills and expertise to guide consultation in a trauma-informed and sensitive manner.
What has been done since the Board of Inquiry?
Since accepting the recommendations, the Department of Education has established a new Restorative Engagement, Information and Support (REIS) team to implement several of the Department of Education led recommendations including the apology, Beaumaris Primary School memorial, the Restorative Engagement program and the Online Hub and telephone service. Planning work is also underway for the recommendations relating to information access and the systemic review.
We have already started speaking to some of the organisations and individuals who have expressed an interest in being kept updated and we aim to start a comprehensive consultation process in early 2025 using a broad range of options including face-to-face meetings, online forums, small group sessions, phone and email to include as many people as possible.
What’s next?
We are committed to keeping victim-survivors, their families, supporters and affected communities at the centre of consultation and implementation work as it progresses – and we know and expect that this is a process that will take time to ensure that all viewpoints are heard and considered.
In the meantime, we would like to hear from more victim-survivors and others. You are most welcome to reach out anytime to ask questions, raise any concerns you may have and share your insights about how we can best engage and support people through the consultation and co-design processes.
We also encourage you to pass on our team’s contact details to any others who you think might want to participate or provide input.
How can you be involved or who can you speak to if you have questions?
If you would like to speak with someone from the REIS team,
please call 03 9057 4500 or
you can email board.of.inquiry@education.vic.gov.au.
We can talk by phone, online or in person. You do not need to give your name or contact information. If you have any other questions please contact Jane Carew-Reid, Director, REIS team using the details above.
If comfortable, you can ask for your details to be added to the Board of Inquiry Consultation Register so we can stay in touch: refer to Beaumaris Board of Inquiry implementation consultation process.
https://www.vic.gov.au/board-inquiry-implementation-consultation-process
For more updates about the progress of the Board of Inquiry recommendations visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/inquiry-historical-abuse-beaumaris-primary-school
November 2024"
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