Type: Media Article
Date: December 8, 2015
Source: The Gold Coast Bulletin
FAMILIES like those of the late footballer Peter Jackson who experienced alleged sexual abuse at The Southport School can get compensation for fees.
Jackson, 33, died of a heroin overdose in a motel room in Sydney in 1997 after battling depression.
After being lobbied by the mothers of two former students sexually abused at different Brisbane schools in the 1960s and 1990s, the Brisbane Anglican diocese will refund tuition and boarding fees, recognising the trauma for parents.
The Gold Coast Bulletin understands the policy will extend to the Coast private campus if parents come forward with legitimate claims.
Several sources confirmed that families like that of late footballer Peter Jackson would be compensated, with the former rugby league international and State of Origin legend having been allegedly abused at the school during the late 1970s.
He sent a letter in the final weeks of his life to his solicitor, detailing sexual abuse.
As a 16-year-old boarder at the school he was befriended by rugby union coach and house master Ossie McNamara, who was later convicted of abuse at other schools.
Hugh "Ossie" McNamara in 1998.
Lawyers for Jackson’s widow reached a cash settlement with TSS, believed to be about $250,000.
Sources suggested those students who had received a payout would see their families “automatically compensated” for school fees.
Brisbane Anglican Archbishop Dr Philip Aspinall said the decision on whether to refund school fees was one for individual institutions and was not the official policy of the Anglican Church of Australia.
Archbishop Dr Philip Aspinall.
“The Diocese of Brisbane’s decision to refund fees came after much consideration and it is entirely up to other institutions whether they follow suit,” he said.
“We urge anyone who has been sexually abused in the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane to contact us so that we can provide assistance.”
Bill Edgar.
Gold Coast private detective Bill Edgar, who in recent years wrote about his own experience detailing alleged sexual abuse at TSS, said he had been contacted by five “old boys” from different eras. He said he hoped the compensation would cover families who had struggled to pay fees.
Former students are urging others to contact Knowmore, a free independent legal service established by the Federal Government to support survivors of child abuse during the Royal Commission. The Brisbane office can be contacted on 1800 605 762 and 07 3218 4500
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