4 days ago
Law firm Maurice Blackburn investigating alleged historical sex abuse at Perth's Beldon Primary School
Law firm Maurice Blackburn has confirmed a number of people have come forward as part of its investigation into alleged sexual abuse claims at a Perth primary school dating back 30 years.
The civil case is being brought by a former student of Beldon Primary School, which is in Perth's northern suburbs, who claims they were abused by a teacher.
Specialist abuse lawyer Lily Hart has told the ABC the firm was looking to speak to anyone who was at the school between 1990 and 1994.
"Witnesses we're hoping to speak with aren't always other survivors who may have experienced abuse," Ms Hart said.
"It's also maybe former students, or parents that were involved with the school and might be able to provide further information about what was going on during that period."
Ms Hart said while the case was yet to be formally presented to the court, any information uncovered during the investigation would be vital.
"Often the defendants have all of the information and all of the power.
"So if we're able to speak with other witnesses from that time period, that can really assist our clientele level that playing field a little bit."
The Department of Education said it was not aware of the case or the potential claim and would not comment further.
Ms Hart said given the department may end up being a defendant if the case gets to court, accessing documents from the period of the alleged abuse could be challenging.
She said the firm would follow court processes in the event of that scenario, but the evidence-gathering process was already well advanced.
"We're already spoken with quite a few witnesses. They've been really helpful and taken the time to speak with us," she said.
"I appreciate it can be quite upsetting to hear if someone's attended a school that they really loved themselves and had good memories there, it can be upsetting to hear about these allegations.
"But we have spoken with former students and members of the school community. And they've all been really lovely and really helpful and I want to thank them for their time as well."
