Warning: sensitive contentChildren left unprotected and vulnerable to sexual abuse have received a landmark apology for decades of mistreatment at government schools. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll delivered the apology in parliament on behalf of the state government on Thursday, as promised in response to an inquiry into historical abuse. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said Victorian schools had betrayed the trust placed in them by families to keep their children safe. Mr Rowswell, who has played a leading role in seeking recognition for school abuse victim-survivors, said the apology was only a starting point. These include supports for survivors, stricter vetting and checks for school staff, stronger reporting pathways and mandatory school safety standards.