The Health Care Complaints Commission has issued a permanent prohibition order against a New South Wales school counsellor, Victoria Worsley, effectively banning her from providing any health services in both paid and voluntary capacities. This decisive action follows a disturbing investigation that revealed Worsley engaged in sexual contact with students after inviting them to her home for alcoholic jelly shots.
A Significant and Unacceptable Risk to Public Safety
The Commission concluded that Worsley, who was known as "Toy" Worsley, poses "a significant and unacceptable risk to the health and safety of the public". Consequently, she is now permanently barred from roles involving counselling, social work, or any other health-related services. The order took full effect from 21 January, building upon an interim prohibition that had been in place since 13 May 2025 while the investigation was ongoing.
Breach of Professional Boundaries and Code of Conduct
Through her position at an unnamed school, Worsley provided counselling to two students: an 18-year-old referred to as "Student J" and a 17-year-old known as "Student M". The Commission's findings detail that she contacted both individuals outside of school hours, extended invitations to her private residence, prepared alcoholic jelly shots with them, and subsequently engaged in "sexual contact" with them.
The investigation explicitly stated: "Ms Worsley engaged in repeated sexual contact with Student J and sexual contact with Student M at a time when she was their school counsellor." This conduct was found to be in clear violation of the code of conduct for non-registered health practitioners, specifically clause 13(1), which mandates that "A health practitioner must not engage in sexual or other close personal relationship with a client."
The prohibition order underscores that "The Commission's investigation found that Ms Worsley breached professional boundaries" and determined that allowing her to continue practising would present an ongoing danger to public welfare.
Nationwide Implications and Support Resources
This permanent ban carries significant weight beyond New South Wales, as it also applies in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. The case highlights critical issues surrounding safeguarding and ethical standards within educational and health support roles.
For those affected by similar circumstances, support is available through dedicated helplines. Children, young adults, parents, and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline or Bravehearts, while adult survivors may reach out to the Blue Knot Foundation for assistance.
