AUSTRALIA
ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
February 23, 2018
Survivors of sexual abuse will soon be able to sue churches in Victoria, as the State Government moves to close a legal loophole.
Currently, laws in the state prevent victims from being able to take legal action against some non-incorporated organisations, like churches.
Attorney-General Martin Pakula said the new legislation was in response to a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
A bill will be introduced into State Parliament in the first half of the year, he said.
“We’re developing legislation to overcome the so-called Ellis defence, in response to key recommendations of the Betrayal of Trust report and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse,” Mr Pakula said in a statement.
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