Carbone Lawyers is investigating alleged historical and recent abuse at Fitzroy Community School (FCS). If you or your child was affected, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is Happening at Fitzroy Community School?
In May 2026, an ABC investigation revealed allegations of historical physical and sexual abuse at the Fitzroy Community School (FCS), an alternative primary school in inner Melbourne. Multiple regulators are now actively investigating.
As of May 2026, FCS is the subject of investigations by:
- The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)
- The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
- Victoria Police.
- The federal Department of Education.
All allegations against the school and its associated individuals are unproven.
What is Being Alleged at FCS?
The ABC investigation and subsequent reporting describe a pattern of alleged conduct spanning decades. Allegations made publicly include:
Alleged physical abuse
Former students and staff have described what they allege was the use of physical force as discipline, including against young primary-aged children.
Alleged historical sexual abuse
Historical sexual abuse allegations are reportedly being examined by Victoria Police and the VIT.
Alleged failures of governance and child safety
The VRQA has previously ordered the school to remove certain family members from its board and to ensure staff met child-safe training requirements. In December 2025, the VRQA imposed further conditions on the school’s registration, including a requirement to report complaints within 24 hours.
Who May Have a Claim Against Fitzroy Community School?
- Former students of FCS (any era). If you were a student at Fitzroy Community School and were physically, sexually or psychologically harmed, you may be entitled to compensation. This applies regardless of how long ago the alleged abuse occurred.
- Parents of former or current FCS students. Parents who have suffered psychological injury after learning their child was harmed at the school may also have a claim.
- Former teachers and staff. Teachers and staff who witnessed alleged abuse, who reported concerns and suffered retaliation, or who were themselves harmed in their employment, may have separate legal options, including workers’ compensation and common law claims.
What Compensation Can Survivors of Institutional Abuse Claim?
Compensation typically covers:
- Pain and suffering for physical and psychological harm
- Past and future treatment costs: psychology, psychiatry, medication
- Loss of past and future earnings, where abuse impacted study, career, or
earning capacity - Care and support costs: past and future
- Aggravated and exemplary damages, in serious cases.
“Isn’t It Too Late?” Why Time Limits No Longer Apply to Child Abuse Claims
Many survivors assume too much time has passed. It hasn’t. Since 2015, Victoria has had no limitation period for civil claims involving child sexual abuse, serious physical abuse and connected psychological abuse. That means survivors can bring a claim decades after the alleged abuse occurred.
You do not need to have reported the abuse to the police. You do not need to have spoken about it before. You only need to be ready to start a conversation.
What is involved in pursuing an Institutional Abuse Claim?
Step 1. Free, confidential first call. A lawyer from our institutional abuse team will listen to what happened. There is no cost, no obligation, and nothing you say is shared without your consent.
Step 2. We review your matter. We assess your circumstances, advise on your legal options and explain likely timeframes and outcomes in plain English.
Step 3. We build the case. If you choose to proceed, we gather records, brief medical experts and prepare your claim. You are kept informed at every step. You do not need to deal with the school directly.
Step 4. Resolution. The vast majority of institutional abuse claims resolve through negotiated settlement, without the need for a trial. Where a court hearing is required, we prepare you carefully and support you throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions.
I am not sure I want to make a claim. Can I still talk to a lawyer?
Yes. The first conversation is free, confidential and carries no obligation. Many people simply want to understand their options before deciding anything.
Will my name be made public?
Survivors of institutional abuse have strong privacy protections in Victoria. We will discuss how those protections apply to you before any step is taken.
The abuse happened decades ago. Is it too late?
No. Since 2015, there is no limitation period for child sexual abuse, serious physical abuse and connected psychological abuse claims in Victoria.
I am a former teacher, not a former student. Can I still come forward?
Yes. Former teachers and staff who witnessed conduct, reported concerns or suffered psychological injury in their employment at FCS may have a range of legal options. We would like to hear from you.
What does “no win, no fee” mean?
It means most clients pay no upfront legal fees. If your claim is unsuccessful, in most cases you owe us nothing for our professional fees.
All allegations referred to on this page are unproven and are the subject of investigations and reporting current as of May 2026. The content of this page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are in distress and need immediate support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Blue Knot Helpline (for adult survivors of childhood trauma) on 1300 657 380.