UPDATE: LEGISLATIVE REFORM
reversing the decision of the High Court in Bird v DP
Victoria
On 25 February 2026, Victoria commenced the Justice Legislation Amendment (Vicarious Liability for Child Abuse) Act 2026. This Act has reversed the decision in the High Court from November 2024. The new legislation allows Catholic institutions to be held vicariously liable for the crimes of its offending clergy.
Read here.
Australian Capital Territory
On 30 October 2025, the ACT passed, unopposed, the Civil Law (Wrongs) (Organisational Child Abuse Liability) Amendment Act 2025.
Read here.
Western Australia
On 12 November 2025, WA tabled the Civil Liability Amendment (Child Sexual Abuse Actions) Bill 2025.
Read here.
We are very disappointed with the Western Australian Bill, as it carves out/excludes sexual assaults against children by volunteers.
We need to apply pressure on the following jurisdictions to stand up and do the right thing by victims/survivors of institutional child abuse and push ahead with urgent legislative reform:
New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.
We also need to urge the Attorney-General of Western Australia to amend their Bill to include (not exclude) paedophiles who are volunteers.
Here’s how YOU can help!
>> eMail the Attorneys-General of the Northern Territory, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. Proforma letter here for these jurisdictions.
>> eMail the Western Australian Attorney-General. Proforma letter here for Western Australia.
eMail addresses:
Western Australia: Hon Tony Buti – eMail here.
Northern Territory: Hon Marie-Clare Boothby – eMail here
Tasmania: Hon Guy Barnett – eMail here.
South Australia: Hon Kyam Maher – eMail here.
Queensland: Hon Deb Frecklington – eMail here.
New South Wales: Hon Michael Daley – eMail here.
