Premier Ben Carroll has described the allegations of sexual abuse at the Latrobe Special Developmental School in Traralgon, located in eastern Victoria, as “harrowing.” Parents of former students have submitted a detailed timeline of these allegations, which span nearly two decades.
Carroll stated that the government is committed to collaborating with relevant authorities to address the claims but refrained from committing to an independent investigation. The advocacy group Voices for Special Needs (VFSN) has reported that incidents of physical, mental, and sexual abuse have taken place at the school over an extensive period.
This group, comprised of parents of past students, provided the Premier and state MPs with a timeline outlining the allegations during the weekend. Among the reported incidents are 15 cases of alleged sexual abuse, which include inappropriate behavior and assaults involving both students and staff members.
VFSN is urging the government to initiate an independent investigation into the allegations and to publicize the results. Additionally, they are advocating for the installation of security cameras in classrooms and on transportation used for student commutes to enhance safety.
On Wednesday, Premier Carroll acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. “These are disturbing allegations, and my thoughts are with the affected families and students,” he remarked, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough response. “We take this issue very seriously, and it is currently with the authorities.”
The timeline indicates that the alleged abuse incidents occurred from 2008 to 2026. The Premier assured parents that they should have confidence in the safety of their children while at school. “The safety and well-being of our children, particularly those with special needs, is of utmost importance,” he added.
Carroll expressed pride in the government’s efforts towards enhancing disability inclusion, noting that every specialist school has received upgrades under their administration.
For anyone in need of support, resources include the police at 000, the 1800 Respect National Helpline, and various other support services tailored for specific needs.
In 2021, the Department of Education conducted a review of the Latrobe Special Developmental School’s culture, resulting in a plan comprising 34 action steps. Most of these actions were completed by the end of the fourth term in 2022, although three are ongoing. The department indicated that it had not received any new reports of misconduct since the review but did not disclose the review’s findings due to privacy concerns. They affirmed that student safety remains a priority and that external security cameras are installed throughout the school’s grounds.
VFSN spokesperson Leanne Vella criticized the government for allegedly neglecting the seriousness of the claims since they became known in 2020. She expressed frustration over the government’s focus on infrastructure improvements rather than pursuing an independent investigation, which she believes is essential for families to share their experiences and challenges related to special and developmental schools.
Vella conveyed that students feel “unsafe, unheard, and dismissed” by those in positions of power who have the ability to effect meaningful change. “We continue to witness an institutional culture that conceals the physical, sexual, and mental abuse of students with disabilities,” she stated.
