The ACT Government is being sued in the Supreme Court after a woman alleged she was sexually abused at a former Canberra school. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
CONTENT WARNING: This article refers to alleged sexual abuse.
A newly released civil court decision shows the ACT Government is being sued by a woman over allegations she was sexually abused by a teacher when she went to the former Deakin High School.
The man, who worked as a teacher at the now-dissolved high school, is alleged to have groomed her and then sexually assaulted her multiple times, starting when she was 15.
In 1989, Deakin High merged with Woden Valley High to become Alfred Deakin High School, which still sits on the site of Deakin High.
The woman began suing both the teacher and the government in the ACT Supreme Court last year, claiming she suffered psychological injury from the alleged abuse.
In a recently published decision by Acting Justice Andrew Muller, he said the woman was suing the government for negligence. She claimed there were systemic failures when it came to affording her a reasonable level of protection while in the care of the school.
Also, she claimed the school and, in turn, the government were vicariously liable for the alleged actions of the teacher that occurred when he was working at the facility.
Both the government and the teacher, whom Region has chosen not to name for now, have denied liability.
Acting Justice Muller said the case had come before him because the government wanted to review some of the woman’s medical records.
“It is entirely unsurprising that over the years since the subject events, the plaintiff has from time to time received treatment in the form of medical and ancillary services, including treatment relating to her psychological health,” he said.
The government was seeking to access the medical records relating to a counselling service, a medical practice and a psychologist.
The woman consented to disclosing the records.
Acting Justice Muller was satisfied it was appropriate to disclose the material as the public interest in ensuring the proceedings were conducted fairly outweighed the public interest of preserving the confidentiality of the documents.
He granted leave to the parties to inspect the material. The case will return to court at a future date.
A government spokesperson said they would not comment as the matter was before the courts.
As it is a civil case, it does not involve criminal charges.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732. Help and support are also available through the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre on 02 6247 2525, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT 02 6280 0900, the Sexual Violence Legal Services on 6257 4377 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
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