Drama teacher wins $1.27m payout after mob attack at Brisbane school
Victoria Sparrow receives $1.27 million WorkCover payout after 2023 incident at Marist College Ashgrove.
Victoria Sparrow is a drama teacher at Marist College Ashgrove. In October 2023, she was allegedly surrounded by up to 300 students while supervising lunch.
The incident left her with permanent injuries preventing her from teaching again. Victoria Sparrow took the all-boys school to Queensland's Supreme Court.
She argued it had created a culture that disrespected women. Rather than keep fighting the school's national organisation and its unlimited resources, Sparrow accepted a WorkCover settlement of $1.27 million.
She said she needs ongoing specialist treatment for many years ahead. The school apologised to Sparrow and the case sparked a review of the college's workplace culture.
- $1.27 million
- Settlement amount
- Up to 300
- Students in incident
- October 2023
- Month of incident
- Marist College Ashgrove
- School name
Why it mattersThis settlement shows that schools must take student behaviour and workplace safety seriously. This is true even when facing large institutions.
AustraliaBrisbane private school case; Queensland Supreme Court settlement highlights bullying culture at Australian schools.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
