Man sues NSW Education over priest's abuse at school
Steven Smith sues NSW Education for failing to protect him from priest abuse at school, 1971 to 1975.
Steven Smith was raped hundreds of times between 1971 and 1975 by Father George Parker, a scripture teacher who removed him from Newcastle school classrooms on at least 150 occasions with staff consent.
Smith reported the abuse in 2000. A 2001 trial was abandoned when the defence presented an alibi.
Charges were reinstated in 2016, but Parker died in January 2017 before trial. The Anglican diocese apologised and compensated Smith in 2017.
The NSW Department of Education has refused both. For 3.5 years Smith has pursued the department through courts, arguing it failed its duty of care.
A directions hearing is scheduled for next month. He has written to the NSW Premier and ministers without response, and believes his case is not isolated.
- 1971 to 1975
- Abuse period
- At least 150 occasions
- Removals from school
- 3.5 years through courts
- Legal pursuit duration
- Several hundred thousand dollars to date
- Department defense costs
Why it mattersIt tests whether a government department bears responsibility when its staff enabled a child's abuse, and what accountability looks like decades later.
AustraliaThe case may shape how NSW schools are held liable for historical failures and whether victims can pursue justice when institutions fail to act.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 h ago
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