Royal Commission
Open acknowledgement
Since 2000 Brisbane Grammar School has fully acknowledged, and has been responding to, the tragic legacy of abuse committed against students in the 1970s and 1980s by Kevin Lynch.
We reiterate our unreserved apology to them for what happened and the impact these events have had on them.
Information regarding redress and support services is explained below.
BGS Redress
Our response to survivors and victims of Kevin Lynch since 2000 both predates and mirrors the later recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. This includes counselling, apologies and monetary payments.
The School has a Redress Office, managed by an independent Redress Coordinator (a Doctor of Psychology), to coordinate the ongoing counselling support and other assistance provided to those who experienced abuse.
The dedicated Redress Office phone number is 0401 345 356 and a qualified practitioner will be available to speak to you during business hours or leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Alternatively, please contact the Redress Office via email redressoffice@gmail.com or their website.
If you require emergency assistance after hours, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, visit their website or proceed to the emergency department of your closest hospital.
National Redress Scheme
While the School has been operating its own Redress Scheme since 2000, we also successfully applied to join the National Redress Scheme which provides an alternative path for those who have experienced abuse in the past to seek redress independent of the School.
The National Redress Scheme provides counselling, monetary payments, as well as a direct personal response by the School if the person chooses. Any application for redress must be lodged directly with the Scheme itself.
Information about the Scheme, how to make an application and the support services available in Queensland and Australia-wide can be found on their website at www.nationalredress.gov.au or by calling their hotline 1800 737 177.
Reporting any matter
If anyone wishes to bring a complaint of abuse against any member of BGS staff, past or present, they may do so in any of the following ways:
- Contacting the police or other relevant authority in your state
- Contact the School directly by calling (07) 3834 5200 or by emailing headmaster@brisbanegrammar.com
Please note, when children are involved, the School has mandatory reporting provisions to the police or relevant state authority. If you believe any child is at immediate risk, contact 000 immediately.
Support Services
- Australian Psychological Society – Find a Psychologist Service
- Beyond Blue
- Bravehearts
- Headspace
- Lifeline
- MensLine Australia
- Mental Health Professionals Network
- Relationships Australia Queensland
- Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: Support Services
- Sexual Assault Support Services Inc
Keeping our Community Informed
Our priority has been to communicate proactively and openly with our BGS community past and present on these important issues. You can read our communications on these matters below.