Victoria to abolish sex abuse compensation loophole

A LEGAL loophole blocking survivors of child abuse from suing churches and other organisations will be closed in Victoria under proposed new laws.

A LOOPHOLE blocking survivors of child abuse from suing churches and other organisations will be closed in Victoria.

A new bill to be introduced to the Victorian Parliament this week will remove a legal technicality that stops unincorporated organisations from being sued.

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Victorian Attorney-General Martin Pakula.

The move was flagged early this year and will see institutions held accountable for abuse according to Attorney-General Martin Pakula.

“We’re changing the law so that all organisations, regardless of their legal structure, can be held to account for the harm caused to survivors of child abuse,’’ he said.

“We have consulted closely with victim survivor groups, the courts, the legal profession and religious bodies to ensure that the reforms will deliver justice to victims.”

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Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: AAP Image/James Ross

Premier Daniel Andrews said it was a win for victims.

“For too long a legal loophole has effectively prevented child abuse survivors from suing some organisations due to a technicality. We’re fixing that,’’ he said

“All survivors should have equal rights to take legal action and seek redress, and our laws will give them the chance to get the justice and compensation they deserve.”

The Legal Identity of Defendants (Organisational Child Abuse) Bill 2018 will allow unincorporated organisations to be given an opportunity to nominate a legal entity with sufficient assets for child abuse survivors to sue.