Prestigious Sydney School Saint Ignatius" College, Riverview Reports Child Sexual Abuse Allegations to Nsw Police

ABC News
March 23, 2015

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-24/child-sex-abuse-claims-at-st-ignatius-riverview-sydney-reported/6342644

PHOTO: St Ignatius principal Paul Hine says he will tell the boys at the school about the allegations today. (Google maps)

Allegations of child sexual abuse at Sydney's Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview have been reported to NSW Police, the school says.

The principal of the prestigious private school, Paul Hine, wrote to the old boys yesterday informing them a former student had made allegations concerning child sexual abuse over 30 years ago.

Former students of the school include Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce.

Mr Hine said the matter had been reported to police and the school was assisting the Jesuits' professional standards office with its investigations.

In the letter, Mr Hine wrote he would also tell the boys at the school about the allegations later today.

"I am also communicating with all the boys today, in an age-appropriate manner, so that they do not hear about this matter in a piecemeal way or in a situation where they have no reassurances," he wrote.

He said the school took its duty of care seriously and he believed procedures at the school to safeguard students were of the highest standard.

Riverview has high levels of child protection: principal

In a separate statement, Mr Hine said: "The College and the Jesuits wish to express in the strongest possible terms, their abhorrence of sexual misconduct or any form of abuse involving children."

"We also wish to advise that Riverview has adopted high levels of child protection, both in policy and practice, to ensure the students are safe.

"The college follows statutory requirements common to all schools, such as insisting on Working with Children checks for eligible employees.

"I encourage any person who believes they were harmed whilst in our care to contact the Jesuit Province's professional standards office."

Mr Hine said he encouraged any of the school's alumni to contact the province if they had any information or concerns about child abuse.

Detectives at North Shore Local Area Command are investigating allegations of historical child abuse at the school.

A police spokeswoman said detectives were made aware of these allegations today. They are making enquiries but there are no further details available.