A Melbourne law firm is calling for former students to come forward with allegations of sexual abuse at a Ballina primary school — sparking backlash from parents who say the ads are disturbing and harmful.
Maurice Blackburn, a class action specialist, is advertising for information about alleged abuse at St Francis Xavier Primary School in the 1980s. The firm says the ads were placed on the basis of one single complaint, but more have come forward since.
But former parents and committee members say the campaign unfairly smears a respected school without evidence or detail.
“This Is Not Justice. It’s Trolling.”
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Lesley, a former Parents and Friends Committee member, says the campaign is disgraceful.
“It’s a school with a good reputation,” she said. “To see it dragged through the mud by a big city law firm is wrong.”
She believes Maurice Blackburn is exploiting emotion and memory.
“These ads are vague and inflammatory,” Lesley said. “This is not justice. It’s trolling. If a crime happened, those concerned should take their allegations to the police, not a law firm.”
Lesley was deeply involved in the school during the 1980s, when her two sons attended.
“I feel sickened. The school supported every child and every parent,” she said.
A Small, Caring School Community
Norma, another parent whose son and daughter were both pupils during the 1980s, said she knew nearly every family in the 250-pupil school.
“It was a small place. We all knew each other. There was trust and care,” she said. “I never heard of anything troubling.”
Norma’s son saw the ad and called Maurice Blackburn. She says the lawyer told him they were “fishing” for information, including about corporal punishment.
“He told them what was normal then could be seen as abuse now,” Norma said. “But that’s not fair. Times were different. That doesn’t make us complicit.”
She said teachers were firm, but not cruel.
“They might raise their voices or use a ruler. That was discipline then. The same happened in the home. It wasn’t abuse,” she said.
Norma said the school had strong values and a deep connection to the community.
“These lawyers don’t know our town,” she said. “They are stirring up doubt with no context. It’s wrong.”
Why Advertise Now?
Both Norma and Lesley questioned why no one spoke out during the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
“There was every chance to come forward then,” Lesley said. “Why now? Why in a public ad with no facts?
“It seems like they think the Catholic Church is an easy target and will settle once enough mud is thrown about.”
Norma added: “It’s hurting families, teachers, and students. I’d send my grandkids there today. It’s a safe and caring place.”
Lesley agreed: “Even if nothing is proven, the damage is done. That’s not justice.”
Law Firm Confirms Complaints
Jacqueline Grace, the lawyer named in the Maurice Blackburn ad, declined to comment.
However, a spokesman for the firm told Ballina News Daily that the complaints were of a sexual nature. He said more former students had contacted the firm since the ad went live.
Maurice Blackburn is known for large-scale actions against institutions linked to historical abuse.
But in Ballina, the campaign has stirred anger and confusion — and reopened questions about how justice could or should be pursued when decades have passed.
Names have been changed for privacy reasons.
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