Civil Liability Amendment (Child Sexual Abuse Actions) Bill 2025

Legislation Committee· 6 May 2026general_report

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Civil Liability Amendment (Child Sexual Abuse Actions) Bill 2025, designed to address the High Court's Bird v DP decision. The Bill deems religious practitioners as employees of religious institutions for child sexual abuse actions, allowing victims to sue the institutions. The Committee recommends the Bill's immediate passage and further legislation to broaden its scope to secular environments and volunteers.

Impact

Victims of child sexual abuse by religious practitioners will have greater access to compensation. Religious institutions may face increased liability. A broader group of victims could benefit if the law is expanded.

justicepublic_sectorotherchild sexual abusevicarious liabilityreligious institutionscivil liabilitylegal reformBird v DPlegislationemployeereligious practitionercompensation

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