Slater and Gordon to explore potential class action against Victorian government

Slater and Gordon Lawyers has announced its intent to investigate the potential for filing compensation claims against the Victorian government on behalf of historical child sexual abuse survivors.

The firm is looking at a possible class action. The investigation was initiated following the board of inquiry’s publication of the final report that focused on historical sexual abuse at Beaumaris primary and certain government schools.

“It was clear the Victorian government did not have any processes in place to adequately respond to sexual abuse in government schools or to protect the safety of children”, said Sam Carroll, who leads Slater and Gordon’s Victorian abuse law practice.

He pointed to the inquiry’s findings, which highlighted significant system failures and a dearth of policies and processes implemented by the Victorian government from 1960 to 1994. The firm noted in a media release that the inquiry “was specifically directed not to examine any compensation or redress arrangements”.

"It is our preliminary view that these failures may give rise to a potential claim for those affected by abuse at Victorian government schools during this time", Carroll said.