In response to complaints received about how the Victorian Department of Education (the Department) and a Victorian government primary school (the School) responded to allegations of the sexual abuse of two children by a teacher, the Victorian Ombudsman investigated the actions taken in response to the staff eyewitness report and child disclosures, and whether these met the expectations set out in legislation and Department policy.

The Ombudsman found that the Department’s response to the allegations and disclosures of sexual abuse at the time was inadequate, and in some respects seriously so. The Department did not follow its own policies and did not meet its legislated responsibilities, meaning it failed to prioritise the safety of children and the welfare of their families.