Permanent Prohibition Order – Ms Victoria Worsley (School Counsellor)
This information sheet concerns a Permanent Prohibition Order imposed on Ms Victoria Worsley, a school counsellor and social worker, following an investigation by the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission (the Commission).
The Order was made under section 41A(2) of the Health Care Complaints Act 1993 (NSW) and takes effect from 21 January 2026.
The Commission determined that a permanent prohibition was necessary to protect public health and safety.
Background
Ms Victoria Worsley (also known as ‘Toy’):
- was employed as a School Counsellor, providing mental health services to students;
- was a non-registered health practitioner and therefore subject to the Code of Conduct for non-registered health practitioners set out in Schedule 3 of the Public Health Regulation 2022 (NSW); and
- provided counselling services to Student J (aged 18) and Student M (aged 17) during her employment as a school counsellor.
The Commission conducted an investigation into Ms Worsley’s conduct following serious complaints regarding her professional behaviour towards students under her care.
What were the complaints against Ms Worsley?
The Commission’s investigation found that Ms Worsley engaged in serious and repeated breaches of professional boundaries, including conduct of a sexual nature.
In particular, the Commission found that Ms Worsley:
- contacted students outside of school hours;
- invited students to her home;
- made alcoholic Jell-O shots with students; and
- most significantly, engaged in sexual activity with students while acting in her role as their school counsellor.
Breaches of the Code of Conduct
The Commission found that Ms Worsley’s conduct breached multiple provisions of the Code of Conduct for non-registered health practitioners, including:
Clause 1(1) – Safe and ethical practice
“A health practitioner must provide health services in a safe and ethical way.”
The Commission determined that Ms Worsley’s conduct constituted a serious failure to provide health services safely or ethically.
Clause 13(1) – Sexual or close personal relationships
“A health practitioner must not engage in sexual or other close personal relationship with a client.”
The Commission found that Ms Worsley engaged in repeated sexual contact with Student J and sexual contact with Student M while they were her students/clients.
The Commission’s findings
The Commission concluded that:
- Ms Worsley’s conduct represented a grave breach of trust inherent in the counsellor-student relationship;
- the conduct posed a significant and unacceptable risk to the health and safety of the public; and
- if Ms Worsley were permitted to continue providing health services, members of the public would be exposed to an ongoing risk of harm.
What action did the Commission take?
To protect public health and safety, the Commission made the following orders under section 41A(2) of the Health Care Complaints Act 1993 (NSW):
Permanent Prohibition Order
Ms Victoria Worsley (‘Toy’), a school counsellor and social worker, is permanently prohibited from providing any health services to members of the public, whether in paid employment or on a voluntary basis.
For the purposes of the Order, “health service” has the meaning set out in section 4 of the Act.
Public Statement
The Commission also issued a public statement outlining the findings of misconduct and the reasons why a permanent prohibition order was appropriate and necessary.
Interim prohibition order
Prior to the making of the permanent order, Ms Worsley had been subject to an interim prohibition order effective from 13 May 2025, which was renewed every eight weeks pending the outcome of the investigation.
Why this decision matters
This decision highlights:
- the strict professional boundaries required of health practitioners, including non-registered practitioners;
- the seriousness with which authorities treat sexual misconduct and boundary violations, particularly where children and young people are involved; and
- the broad powers available to the Commission to remove practitioners permanently from providing health services where public safety is at risk.
Have you been affected?
Allegations of misconduct by health practitioners — particularly involving serious breaches of trust — can have profound and lasting impacts on victims and their families.
Our firm has extensive experience assisting individuals harmed by professional misconduct, abuse, boundary violations and unsafe health care practices.
We can help by:
- providing clear, confidential advice about your legal rights and options;
- advising whether you may have a civil claim for compensation;
- assisting with claims involving psychological injury, trauma, loss and damage;
- guiding you through the process with sensitivity, discretion and care; and
- acting promptly, given the strict time limits that may apply.
We understand how difficult it can be to come forward. Initial discussions are obligation-free and focused on helping you understand your options in a supportive, trauma-informed environment. We act and advise in relation to civil claims. If you or a loved one has suffered trauma as the result of statutory rape, boundary violations and sexual misconduct, we recommend that you first report such matters to police.
DISCLAIMER
This article reflects the current law at the time of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The actual decisions in each case are summarised for general understanding. For specific legal guidance in relation to your situation, please consult with a qualified legal professional.