NSW Department of Education faces legal action over historical abuse

Steven Smith is pursuing an apology and financial compensation from the New South Wales Department of Education regarding the abuse he suffered between 1971 and 1975. During that period, Smith was repeatedly abused by Anglican priest George Parker, who removed him from Edgeworth Public School and West Wallsend High School on at least 150 occasions with the consent of staff.

While Parker died in 2017 before facing court, Smith is now targeting the Department of Education for its alleged failure to protect him. The department has reportedly refused financial compensation, citing that Smith has already received settlement from the church.

Smith has been pursuing the matter through the courts for three and a half years. A recent court-ordered mediation failed after the department refused to accept responsibility. Smith noted that during the abuse, his welfare was never considered and no permission was sought from his parents to remove him from school.