The Hon. Ben Carroll, Premier of Victoria, has made a formal apology to victims and survivors who experienced child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools.
The apology acknowledges the harm experienced by victims and survivors, their families, loved ones, supporters and affected school communities. It recognises the failures that allowed abuse to occur, and the lasting impacts this has had on many people, families, loved ones and communities.
The apology was held at Parliament House on Thursday 30 July 2026, with victim-survivors in attendance. The apology was also shown at livestream events in Melbourne, Wodonga, Horsham and Ballarat.
Members of Parliament, victim-survivors and their supporters wore badges acknowledging the apology, as well as multi-coloured ribbons. Ribbons are used in the LOUD fence community movement as a symbol of support, awareness and solidarity.
Read the apology
Watch the apology online
A recording of the apology is available on the Parliament of Victoria website (opens in a new window)(opens in a new window).
More information
For enquiries about the apology, contact:
Department of Education Restorative Engagement and Support team
Email: rest@education.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 9057 4500
Text: 0473 847 503 for a call back
For information and support for former students who experienced child sexual abuse in a Victorian government school, visit Victim-survivor support for former students.
For information on how to report child sexual abuse in a Victorian government school, visit: Report child sexual abuse in Victorian government schools.
Support now
If this information raises concerns for you, support is available through the community support services listed below.
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