Calls for law reform after High Court ruling that Catholic Church is not ‘vicariously liabile’ for abuse

(AUSTRALIA)
Australian Broadcasting Corporation - ABC [Sydney, Australia]

March 26, 2025

By David Marr

[Radio program: Click here to listen.]

Presented by David Marr

There are calls for law reform after the recent High Court ruling that the Catholic Church is not vicariously liable for the actions of a priest who allegedly sexually abused a child in the 1970s. The court ruled that a priest is not an employee of a church, and therefore the institution is not liable to compensate their victims. Lawyers and advocates say they will take up the issue with all states and territories.

  • Guest: Judy Courtin, lawyer and advocate
  • Full statement in response to the High Court judgement from Bishop Bird (December 2024)

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Lawyer Judy Courtin says fighting for fair compensation for victim-survivors and their families brings “a whole new round” of trauma.(ABC News)

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/latenightlive/judy-courtin-vicarious-liability/105105646