Story perspectives

NSW Parliament opens inquiry into Redeemer Baptist abuse, forced labour

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

NSW Parliament opened an inquiry into Redeemer Baptist School in Sydney’s west after sexual abuse and forced labour allegations.
Greens MP Abigail Boyd chaired the hearing that heard testimony of sexual, physical, verbal, spiritual and financial abuse.
NSW anti-slavery chief James Cockayne warned the forced-labour claims could lead to modern-slavery charges.
Former manager Glenn Frost alleged the school used donations to build a $140 million portfolio of 60 properties.

History

Historical Context

After the 1999 Irish Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse—later the Ryan Report, which recorded over 800 abusers in 200 Catholic institutions—and the 1999 Queensland Forde Enquiry into institutional abuse, governments have repeatedly launched investigations. The NSW Parliament’s 2024 probe of Redeemer Baptist School, led by Greens MP Abigail Boyd and anti-slavery chief James Cockayne, follows that reform trajectory.

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Story summary

NSW Parliament opened an inquiry into Redeemer Baptist School in Sydney’s west after sexual abuse and forced labour allegations.
Greens MP Abigail Boyd chaired the hearing that heard testimony of sexual, physical, verbal, spiritual and financial abuse.
NSW anti-slavery chief James Cockayne warned the forced-labour claims could lead to modern-slavery charges.
Former manager Glenn Frost alleged the school used donations to build a $140 million portfolio of 60 properties.

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