A parliamentary inquiry in New South Wales has concluded that Redeemer Baptist School, a private institution run by the Redeemer Baptist Church, violated fundamental child‑safeguarding standards. The report, presented to state parliament on Tuesday, details a series of serious allegations brought forward by former students and staff, including sexual, physical, psychological, spiritual and financial abuse.
Witnesses testified that students were forced to share beds with teachers and that the principal once walked naked through a common area. The inquiry found that sexual assault claims were not handled properly, placing children at significant risk. Staff were also reported to lack essential workplace rights and to have failed to meet basic governance standards.
Committee chair and Greens MP Abigail Boyd highlighted that the school had been under parliamentary scrutiny as far back as 2006, yet no effective monitoring procedures were implemented. “It is thanks to the bravery of those who spoke out that we have enough evidence to make these strong findings and recommendations,” Boyd said.
The inquiry recommends that the school be barred from enrolling new students while the New South Wales Education Standards Authority investigates. It also calls for the New South Wales Police and the Office of the Children’s Guardian to investigate the allegations raised.
Financial scrutiny was also raised, with Boyd noting the school receives approximately $6 million annually in government funding and has the resources to pursue legal action against whistleblowers. She also pointed to the school’s alleged Centrelink fraud and questionable tax practices, describing the situation as “troubling” given the institution’s apparent wealth.
Those who escaped the school described a climate of terror, explaining that leaving meant abandoning financial assets and facing potential retaliation from powerful abusers. The inquiry’s findings underscore a lack of regulatory oversight and call for urgent action to protect children and staff.
Source: The Guardian World
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