Child Sexual Abuse inquiry to delve into Hutchins

news.com.au
November 18, 2014

http://www.news.com.au/national/tasmania/child-sexual-abuse-inquiry-to-delve-into-hutchins/story-fnn32rbc-1227126357223

Past abuse claims involving a former teacher at the Hutchins School will be brought to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse tomorrow.

Up to a dozen witnesses are expected to give evidence before the Hobart hearings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse which begins tomorrow.

The inquiry will centre on historical allegations made about the exclusive all-male Hutchins School.

Commissioners Jennifer Coate and Andrew Murray will examine the handling of claims against former headmaster David Lawrence and teacher Lyndon Hickman at the boarding school during the 1960s.

It is understood allegations were made to the commission at recent private hearings.

Mr Lawrence resigned after a decade as headmaster in 1970 amid a scandal involving a relationship with a former student.

The hearings will examine the response of the school and of the Anglican Archdiocese of Tasmania to the allegations.

It is expected to hear from former students and representatives of the school and the Anglican Church.

The Hobart hearings are expected to last for up to eight days. The school and the church have promised to co-operate fully with the Royal Commission.

Originally published as Inquiry to delve into Hutchins