Vicarious liability law reform PASSED!
Tuesday marked a win for victim-survivors of historical institutional child sexual abuse, as legislation was introduced to close a legal loophole arising from the High Court ruling in the case of Bird v. DP.
Vicarious liability: protect legislation from evasive tactics
Rachel questioned the government on vicarious liability reform. Rachel asked the government how vicarious liability laws will be protected from tactics from institutions to avoid accountability for historical child sexual abuse offences.
A Day of Reckoning for Institutions that Enable the Abuse of Children
Today, the Victorian Government introduced a bill to improve access to compensation for victim-survivors of institutional child abuse. It is our job as legislators to get the right outcome, and we commend the government for doing what we and countless have been calling for – the removal of absurd vicarious liability loopholes.
No Exceptions for Abusers: Putting Survivors first on National Survivor’s Day 2025
Today is National Survivor’s Day and while we commend the Victorian Government’s recent announcement that they will introduce retrospective vicarious liability laws by the end of the year, we are concerned that loopholes will be left in place for other “volunteer” employees.
Vicarious liability reform requires retroactive justice
Rachel asked the Attorney-General a question on victim-survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, whose cases will be decided before vicarious liability laws are reformed. In lieu of passing Rachel’s private member’s bill to effect change to vicarious liability laws, the Victorian government have committed to amending the Wrongs Act 1958. These changes would allow institutions to be held liable for crimes of child sexual abuse perpetrated by “non-employees”. However, victim-survivors who are already engaged in the judicial process could have their cases decided before these changes are passed. Rachel sought clarity on how the changes will affect these individuals.
Wrongs Amendment (Vicarious Liability) Bill 2025 Debate speech
Rachel spoke on the Wrongs Amendment (Vicarious Liability) Bill 2025, which was debated on Wednesday the 14th of May. This bill was presented by Rachel on behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, intending to close a legal loophole impacting victim-survivors of historical child sexual abuse.
Justice for Victim Survivors
HELP VICTIM SURVIVORS OF INSTITUTIONAL ABUSE GET JUSTICE Victim survivors of institutional child abuse are being denied justice – simply because their perpetrator was not an employee. The recent High Court decision in Bird v DP means that victim survivors of institutional child abuse cannot…
Wrongs Amendment (Vicarious Liability) Bill 2025 2nd Reading
Rachel presented the second reading of the Wrongs Amendment (Vicarious Liability) Bill 2025, on behalf of Legalise Cannabis Victoria. She initially introduced the bill to the Legislative Council on the 19th of February. Rachel also tabled a statement of compatibility with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 prior to the second reading.
Vicarious liability law reform is a matter of urgency
Rachel asked the government to prioritise vicarious liability law reform as a matter of urgency.
Rachel is advocating for reform to ensure that victim-survivors of historical child abuse can access justice for crimes of abuse perpetrated in non-employment settings. This includes such settings as churches, foster care, Scouts and sports clubs.