Statement by The Salvation Army - Victoria response to comments made in Parliamentary Enquiry

Claims made yesterday before the Parliamentary Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse that children may have been killed at the former Salvation Army Bayswater Boys’ Home are false and mischievous.

The claims were made by Angela Sdrinis, whose firm Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers presented a submission before the Inquiry relating to the welfare of former wards of the state.

These allegations have been made in the past and were investigated by Victoria Police in 2009. At that time, police conducted a forensic investigation at the Bayswater Home and found nothing. They also interviewed a number of former residents of the Home who said they had no knowledge of the alleged incidents.

Over time, these allegations have become a matter of hearsay piled upon hearsay. The exhaustive police investigation did not find any such offence had been committed by The Salvation Army.

With regard to allegations of a paedophile ring operating at the Bayswater Home, The Salvation Army wishes to state that this is the first time any such allegations have been made. If anyone has any information about such a ring they should go immediately to the Victoria Police and The Salvation Army will co-operate fully as required.

For further information or media comment please contact:
Captain Malcolm Roberts - Professional Standards Officer, The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory
Mob: 0459 600 975
Territorial Communications & Fundraising Department, 95-99 Railway Road, Blackburn VIC 3130