(AUSTRALIA)
The New Daily [Australia]
November 13, 2025
A year ago, the High Court handed down a decision that was a blow to survivors of child sexual abuse everywhere.
In a case brought by a man who was abused as a little boy, the Catholic Church’s Diocese of Ballarat argued that it couldn’t be sued for the actions of one of its priests, because priests are employed by God – not by the Church.
The ruling in the Church’s favour left thousands of survivors devastated – but the court said it was up to parliaments to act.
Last week, the ACT government went first, legislating to overrule the High Court decision, in a major win for victim-survivors.
Today, lawyer and advocate Judy Courtin on when the other states will follow – and how the Catholic Church will fight back.
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