National Survivors’ Day (NSD) calls on the Victorian Government to expand the Terms of Reference of the Beaumaris Inquiry to recognise all Survivors of abuse for which the Victorian Department of Education is ultimately responsible.
While we acknowledge the absolute importance of this Inquiry, by narrowing the scope of to only a select number of schools and offenders, we feel there is a disservice being done to the broader Survivor community who also suffered abuse within the Victorian State School system.
With the announcement of the Premier’s Apology that was previously committed to before the end of this year being postponed to 2024, we feel this is the appropriate time to ensure that the voices and experiences of all Victorians impacted by State School abuse are heard and recognised.
It is our hope than rather segmenting and creating two classes of Survivors – those that have their stories heard, and those that have not for similar state-based offending – the Victorian Government recognises all those that have been impacted and expands the Inquiry.
This is a pivotal moment for Victoria and for Survivors of institutional abuse and justice and recognition should not merely be determined by a Survivor’s postcode.
National Advisory Committee,
National Survivors’ Day
