This session will examine the increasingly litigious area of institutional abuse law in Australia. Institutional abuse law is a changing landscape with several matters before the High Court in 2023. The impact and uncertainty that this landscape creates is felt by survivors and the lawyers acting for them. The 2017 $370 million Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse resulted in the abolition of the Ellis defence in NSW but has not prevented the threat of permanent stay applications. While the Courts have offered some clarity in the relationship between clergy and abusers and in setting aside previous settlements, issues continue to arise and there is significant jurisdictional variation in the assessment of damages. 

This session was recorded during the Specialist Accreditation Conference 2023.

DISTRESSING CONTENT 

Viewers are advised that this course may contain details that some may find distressing. Please review the course description and use your discretion before proceeding. 

If you are in distress, the Solicitor Outreach Service (1800 592 296) and Lifeline (13 11 14) offer 24/7 counselling support. If you are concerned for your safety or that of someone else, please contact the Police or call 000 for emergency assistance.