In response to our letter to the Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on 9 August 2025, survivors and family members of victim/surivors with lived experience of institutional child sexual abuse, were able to contribute directly. To how the Beaumaris Board of Inquiry Recommendation 3: A statewide truth-telling and accountability process was implemented. Especially the experience for those participating.
"The Board of Inquiry recommends the Victorian Government establish a statewide truth-telling and accountability process for victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in all Victorian government schools that:
- is independent and time-limited
- is available to:
- victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in any Victorian government school:
- victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse in a non-government school where the alleged perpetrator previously worked at a government school and allegedly committed child sexual abuse at that government school,
Results in an independent public record of victim-survivors’ experiences shared through the truth-telling process, that includes recognition of past failings of the Department of Education."
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Of course, the Victorian Government should have a permanent Survivor Council with lived experience of institutional child sexual abuse, including victim/survivors and family members of victim/survivors, to engage with.
On 30 October 2025 we raised with the Victorian Attorney-General that the government's existing Survivor Council established 10 years ago, with members whom have lived experience - victim/survivors and family members of familial sexual abuse, exploitation and violence - should be expanded. To include victim/survivors, and families/friends of victim/survivors with lived experience of institutional child sexual abuse. Vital to ensuring relevant lived experience always informs all relevant Government decisions regarding policy, legislation, strategies and services.
One recent example where this lived experience of institutional child sexual abuse could have been accessed by the Victorian Government, is the development of the Justice Legislation Amendment (Vicarious Liability for Child Abuse) Bill 2025.
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