Listening to and learning from the experiences of victim-survivors and their families, friends and supporters (secondary victims) is at the heart of the Inquiry.
Victim-survivors as well as other people or groups, can engage with us in many ways. Over the course of the Inquiry there will be opportunities to meet with us, make submissions, participate in private sessions and attend our public hearings.
Those who might wish to engage can include:
- victim-survivors
- secondary victim-survivors (such as partners, children, parents, siblings and extended family)
- service providers, clinicians and support workers
- advocacy groups
- members of affected communities
- peak bodies
- academics
- legal firms.
If you are uncertain about whether to share your experiences with the Inquiry (including because you are uncertain whether your experiences are within the scope of our terms of reference), please contact us via telephone (03) 8301 0102 or via email contact@beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au.
Confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements
Victim-survivors who have previously signed confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements with the Department of Education as part of any settlement of child sexual abuse claims are still able to freely speak to the Inquiry. The Department of Education has advised that it will not require victim-survivors to comply with these obligations.
If you would like more information about the Department of Education’s position on these issues, please contact us via telephone (03) 8301 0102 or via email contact@beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au.
Make a submission
Submissions will be an important way for the Inquiry to listen to and learn from victim-survivors and others.
The submission process will be open from 7 September 2023 until 12 October 2023.
Submissions may take the form of text, audio, images, video or other document formats. You are encouraged to share your experiences in whatever format is best for you.
How to prepare your submission
Before you make a submission, please ensure you have read the Submission Information Sheet. This document outlines important questions to help guide your submission.
You can choose to make a submission on the basis that it may be:
- Public: The entire submission may be published, including the name of the individual, group or organisation.
- Anonymous: The submission may be published, but all identifying information will be removed.
- Confidential: The submission will not be published and will be used to inform the Inquiry’s considerations only.
How to lodge your submission
Online
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By Post
If you or your group or organisation would like to make a submission via post, please send with the Submission Cover Sheet.
Send the Submission Cover Sheet along with your submission to:
Beaumaris Board of Inquiry
PO Box 18092, Collins Street East, VIC, 8003.
Private sessions
Private sessions are another important way for the Inquiry to listen to and learn from victim-survivors and others.
We understand that not all individuals wish to participate in public hearings.
We are committed to ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to share their experiences in the way that is best for them.
If you are uncertain about whether to share your experiences with the Inquiry (including because you are uncertain whether your experiences are within the scope of our terms of reference), please contact us via telephone (03) 8301 0102 or via email contact@beaumarisinquiry.vic.gov.au.
Private sessions will be held from September 2023 to December 2023. We will work with you to try to schedule the time that best suits you.
Private sessions will be held in Melbourne’s CBD. We will consider the preferences and needs of the individual wherever possible.
How to register for a private session
Online
Before you register for a private session, please ensure you have read the Invitation to participate in private sessions. This document outlines important information about our private sessions.
By Phone
If you would like to register for a private session or have any further questions, please call (03) 8301 0102.
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