Arnold Thomas and Becker

11/08/2026

A former student of St Robert’s School in Geelong has commenced legal proceedings against Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools over allegations of historical child s*xual abuse by the school’s former principal.

Arnold Thomas & Becker lawyer Madison Duffy said the case demonstrates how positions of authority can allegedly be exploited to isolate vulnerable children.

“Schools have a fundamental responsibility to protect the children placed in their care. This includes having effective safeguards, proper supervision and clear avenues through which children can safely report concerning behaviour.”

Arnold Thomas & Becker represents the former student. The allegations have not yet been determined by a court.

Read the full story via the link below:
https://www.arnoldthomasbecker.com.au/atb-blog/news-st-roberts-school-geelong-abuse-claim/11521/

If you experienced s*xual abuse at a school, even if it occurred many years ago, you may still have legal options. Contact Australia’s leading abuse lawyers confidentially on 1300 333 300.

ATB represents a former St Robert’s School student in a claim against Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools over alleged historical child s*xual abuse.

04/08/2026

A school staff member who was assaulted while trying to protect a student has received a six-figure compensation payout.

The staff member was one of four workers allegedly assaulted after intervening in a violent incident at Tarneit Senior College in Melbourne’s west.

The case is an important reminder that everyone has the right to feel safe at work. Workplace violence can cause serious and lasting physical and psychological injuries, and affected workers may have legal options beyond their initial WorkCover entitlements.

Arnold Thomas & Becker is proud to have supported our client in securing compensation and achieving a measure of justice following this traumatic incident.

If you have been injured or assaulted at work, contact our experienced WorkCover lawyers for confidential advice on 1300 333 300.

Read the full story below:

A school staffer who was brutally bashed by a gang of teenage girls while defending a student has won a six-figure payout for years of suffering after the terrifying attack.

29/07/2026

More than 600 former students. 350 Victorian schools. Allegations spanning more than seven decades.

These are not just numbers. Each claim represents a person who may have carried the impact of childhood s*xual abuse for years, often in silence.

As reported by the Herald Sun, Arnold Thomas & Becker is investigating allegations involving schools across the government, Catholic and independent sectors. The allegations date from 1950 to as recently as 2024, including more than 20 claims relating to the period between 2000 and 2015.

Since June 2024 alone, a further 135 claims have been reported to our firm.

The scale of these allegations is devastating. It shows that abuse was not confined to one school, one institution or one period in Victoria’s history. Survivors deserve to be heard, supported and given the opportunity to pursue justice and accountability.
We acknowledge the courage of every person who has come forward.

If you experienced abuse at a Victorian school, even if it occurred many years ago, you may still have legal options. You do not need to remember every detail before seeking advice.

Contact Arnold Thomas & Becker on 1300 333 300 for a confidential discussion.

Read the full story below:

Dozens of elite Victorian private and Catholic schools face fresh child s*xual abuse allegations with some as recent as 2024.

24/07/2026

The release of the Victorian Government's Systemic Review into Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Victorian Government Schools marks another important step in acknowledging the experiences of victim-survivors and examining the systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur.

The review identified 482 survivors, and 195 alleged perpetrators across more than 200 Victorian Government schools, among other findings.

For many survivors, reports like this can bring back painful memories. We acknowledge the immense courage it takes to come forward, to share your story and to seek accountability after many years.

If you or someone you know experienced child s*xual abuse in a Victorian Government school, it's important to know that you have rights and that support is available.

What can you do?

• Seek independent legal advice to better understand your rights and options.
• Access counselling or support services if reading the report has caused distress.
• Keep any documents, photographs or other information that may assist in understanding what happened, even if you are unsure whether they are relevant.

How Arnold Thomas & Becker can help

• Provide free, confidential legal advice about your rights and potential compensation entitlements.
• Guide you through the legal process with compassion, sensitivity and respect, at a pace that is right for you.
• Advocate on your behalf to help you pursue accountability, recognition and compensation for the harm you have suffered.

No amount of compensation can undo the past. However, taking legal action can provide survivors with recognition, accountability and access to financial support that can assist with ongoing care and recovery.

At Arnold Thomas & Becker, our dedicated Abuse team has represented hundreds of survivors in claims against institutions across Australia.

We understand that every survivor's journey is different, and we are committed to providing trauma-informed legal support every step of the way.

If you have questions about your legal rights or simply want to have a confidential conversation about your options, we're here to listen.

Arnold Thomas & Becker represents thousands of survivors who have experienced abuse in schools and have secured compensation for individuals of over $1million.

Contact Arnold Thomas & Becker today on 1300 333 300 for a free, confidential discussion with one of our experienced Abuse lawyers.

If this post has raised difficult emotions for you, please remember that support is available. You are not alone.

For more information click the link below:

Systemic Review into Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Victorian Government Schools.

24/07/2026

The Christian Brothers said they couldn't afford to compensate survivors of child s*xual abuse.

Today, there is renewed hope.

A new Memorandum of Understanding proposes that the Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia (TEREA) take responsibility for current and future abuse claims against the Christian Brothers' Scheme Entities, subject to Court and creditor approval.

For thousands of survivors, this could represent a significant step towards long-overdue accountability.

"Our clients have spent years navigating an incredibly hostile legal landscape," said Arnold Thomas & Becker Principal Jodie Harris.

"For decades, claims were restricted or entirely defeated by technical legal defences routinely deployed by the Christian Brothers. Today's news brings long-awaited hope to so many impacted by historical abuse."

Arnold Thomas & Becker represents more than 100 survivors of Christian Brothers institutions and more than 2,000 survivors of institutional s*xual abuse across Australia.

A Court hearing beginning on 21 September 2026 will determine how the proposed scheme will operate.

If you experienced abuse at a Christian Brothers institution, or believe you may have a claim, now is the time to seek legal advice so you understand your rights and any steps you may need to take to protect your entitlement to compensation.

📞 Contact Arnold Thomas & Becker for a confidential, obligation-free discussion with our experienced Institutional Abuse team.

15/07/2026

A surgeon who worked at Western District Health Service (Hamilton Base Hospital) between December 2024 and November 2025 during that period has been referred to AHPRA, Australia's health regulator, following a surgical complication- and conditions remain on his registration while the matter is reviewed.

Principal Lawyer at Arnold Thomas & Becker Warrnambool, Nicole Elliott-Struth, has been following the situation closely and is offering to speak confidentially with anyone who received treatment during this time.

"Our role is to listen, review information carefully, and help people understand whether their experience warrants independent legal advice," Ms Elliott-Struth said.

All enquiries are confidential, obligation-free, and there's no pressure to take things further.

Were you or a loved one treated at Hamilton Base Hospital during December 2024 and November 2025?

Call Arnold Thomas & Becker today on 1300 333 300 for a free, confidential discussion.

Read the full story below:

'Our role is to listen, review information carefully, and help.'

14/07/2026

Arnold Thomas & Becker Lawyers are currently investigating the legal avenues open to families impacted by the horrific allegations of abuse involving a childcare worker in Sydney. Kristen Wright, Associate, said "we can assist in advising on all legal options available to impacted families". Ms Wright said legal claims may allow family members to seek compensation for medical and treatment-related expenses, pain and suffering and financial loss. Arnold Thomas & Becker have extensive experience relating to abuse in a childcare setting. Impacted families will be offered a No Win No Fee service.For information, contact us on 1300 333 300 or send us a message.

13/07/2026

This week is Australian Birth Trauma Awareness Week.

For many families, welcoming a child into the world should be one of life's happiest moments. But when preventable mistakes occur during pregnancy, labour or delivery, the consequences can be devastating.

At Arnold Thomas & Becker, we help families who have experienced birth trauma due to medical negligence. While no legal outcome can undo the harm that has been suffered, pursuing a claim can provide answers, accountability and financial support for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation and future care.

We assist families with matters involving:

- Delayed diagnosis or treatment during labour
- Failure to perform a timely caesarean section
- Mismanagement of maternal or fetal distress
- Preventable birth injuries to mothers
- Injuries to babies, including those resulting in lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy or acquired brain injury
- Negligent antenatal or postnatal care

Head of Medical Negligence at Arnold Thomas & Becker, Emily Hart, says:

"Behind every birth trauma matter is a family whose lives have been changed forever. Many parents come to us looking for answers just as much as they are seeking justice. Our role is to help them understand what happened, hold those responsible to account where appropriate, and secure the support they need to move forward with confidence."

If you have questions about your legal rights following a traumatic birth, our experienced medical negligence team is here to help with compassionate, confidential advice.

If you or someone you love has experienced birth trauma and you're wondering whether it could have been prevented, our experienced medical negligence team is here to help. Reach out for a confidential, obligation-free conversation to learn about your legal rights and the support available.

More information available via the link below:
https://birthtrauma.org.au/birth-trauma-awareness-week-2026/

Contact Arnold Thomas and Becker today on 1300 333 300.

10/07/2026

CALL FOR WITNESSES- BRANDON PARK TECHNICAL SCHOOL-1985-1987

Did you attend Brandon Park Technical School between 1985 and 1987?

Arnold Thomas & Becker is seeking to speak with anyone who attended Brandon Park Technical School between 1985 and 1987 who may have information relevant to legal proceedings.

A trial is scheduled to commence on 28 July 2026, and we are asking former students, staff, or anyone with relevant knowledge from this period to come forward.

If you attended the school during these years and believe you may have information that could assist, we encourage you to contact our team for a confidential discussion.

Contact Arnold Thomas & Becker today on 1300 333 300 or send us a message on Facebook.

01/07/2026

For survivors of institutional child s*xual abuse, the courtroom represents more than a legal process. It's a chance to finally be heard.

Recent reports about the Christian Brothers' attempt to cry poor and limit compensation to hundreds of abuse survivors have been shocking. Survivors who have spent years waiting for their day in court are now facing uncertainty, with some describing the experience as "being stabbed in the back."

No survivor should be forced to suffer further trauma because or financial restructuring to avoid compensating survivors.. Accountability should never be out of reach.

Arnold Thomas & Becker will seek to challenge the Christian Brother’s application for bankruptcy and fight for the rights of survivors.

If you or someone you love experienced abuse in an institution, you don't have to face the legal system alone. Our experienced team can explain your rights and help you understand the options available.

Contact Arnold Thomas & Becker today for a confidential discussion on 1300 333 300 or send us a message on Facebook.

Read the full story below:

Order wants to set up its own scheme outside of court to pay survivors, who have been told they will not get what they are owed in full