Non-Teaching Staff Member at Friends’ School Charged with Child Abuse Material Offence Following Hobart Raids (Hobart, Australia)

A non-teaching staff member at The Friends’ School in Hobart has been charged with one count of using a carriage service for child abuse material. The charge follows a multi-agency police investigation that included two raids in Hobart.

The school informed parents on Tuesday afternoon that the staff member had been stood down following the police investigation and the subsequent charges. Principal Esther Hill stated in an email to parents that police have assured the school there is currently no indication or evidence linking any other member of the school to the matter, and that there is no risk or threat to students, staff, or the broader school community.

Principal Hill emphasized the school’s commitment to transparency while ensuring it does not interfere with ongoing legal proceedings. The school, which describes itself as an independent, coeducational, Quaker institution offering education from Early Learning to Year 12, has not commented further on the incident beyond the official statement.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed that a 57-year-old man from South Hobart was arrested on Tuesday after a police raid on his home. A second raid occurred at a North Hobart location. The AFP noted that the Tasmania Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team received three reports from the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children between February and July.

The investigation led to the man’s arrest and charge. The school has not disclosed any further details about the staff member’s role or the circumstances surrounding the investigation. The Friends’ School continues to operate as a Quaker institution, emphasizing its values of peace, integrity, and community service.

The incident highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and maintaining accountability within educational and community settings. As the legal process unfolds, the school remains focused on its mission to provide a safe and supportive environment for students and staff.

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