Friends’ joins redress
School latest to sign up to national scheme for victims of abuse
THE Friends’ School is the latest Hobart private school to join the National Redress Scheme for victims of institutional child sexual abuse.
In a letter to parents, principal Nelson File said Friends’ had resolved to join the scheme earlier this year and formalised its inclusion this month.
“The Friends’ School Board of Governors apologises sincerely and unreservedly to any Friends’ Old Scholar who has been sexually abused whilst in the care of the school. Child sexual abuse is an abhorrent crime and we acknowledge the terrible impact that it has on the lives of those abused, their friends and family,” Mr File said.
“As a caring and supportive community, our school is determined to ensure that there is an accessible, compassionate and confidential resolution process for anyone impacted by child sexual abuse.
“Collectively, the Board of Governors and school staff are fully committed to ensuring that our ongoing approach to child safety and the healing of historical harm is active and central in our systems and culture.”
The NRS provides support to people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse.
It is a government-led response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, with survivors of child sexual abuse able to apply for the scheme until June 30, 2027.
The Hutchins School and St Michael’s Collegiate have also signed up to the scheme, as have other Anglican Church organisations.
Other Tasmanian organisations registered with the scheme are Baptist churches, the Catholic Church, Catholic religious orders, the Scouts, the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, The Salvation Army, the Uniting Church and the YMCA.
All Commonwealth and State Government institutions are part of the scheme.
In June the State Government confirmed 41 Tasmanians had received payments under the scheme.
The Anglican Church in Tasmania is selling off churches and properties across the state to raise $8 million to fund its own payment scheme for abuse victims.