Support for push to scrap gag law
THE principal of St Michael’s Collegiate School has again declared the school’s support for proposed legislative changes that will allow sexual abuse victims to speak out under their own names.
Adam Forsyth has emailed the “Collegiate Old Girls” recognising the “courageous legal campaign” of former student Grace Tame, who was the first assault survivor in Tasmania to win the right to publicly identify herself in the media.
Ms Tame has since spoken out about being repeatedly sexually abused on school grounds by her former maths teacher Nicolaas Bester and has used her platform to educate others on the warning signs of grooming and the impacts of sexual assault.
“You will have seen media reports about the intention of the Attorney-General Elise Archer and the State Government to overhaul laws which prohibit survivors of sexual abuse from speaking out publicly or being named in the media, even when they want to,” Dr Forsyth’s email read.
“We reaffirm our support for these proposed legislative changes and acknowledge Ms Archer’s significant role in driving these changes.
“We again apologise and acknowledge the inexcusable sexual abuse that Grace suffered while at Collegiate.”
On behalf of the Collegiate School community, Dr Forsyth congratulated Ms Tame, her family and supporters on achieving the “overdue step”.
“We commend Grace’s bravery, determination and courage and support her, unreservedly, in her continued campaign,” he said.
Dr Forsyth said any former students who wished to speak with him about Ms Tame’s campaign or other related matters should not hesitate to contact his office.
Ms Archer recently revealed details of the Government’s plans to overhaul the laws which prohibit survivors from being named in the media regardless of their consent.
The changes would protect the rights of victims who wanted to tell their story and protect those who wanted to remain anonymous or should remain anonymous because they were not yet 18 or did not have the capacity to be able to consent, Ms Archer said.