MEDIA STATEMENT
30 October 2025
We welcome the Victorian Government’s introduction of legislation that will strengthen the legal rights of child sexual abuse survivors.
This proposed legislative reform is a huge step in rectifying the unintended consequences of the decision in Bird v DP which limited access to justice for many victim-survivors.
We commend the Government’s commitment to making this legislation retrospective and enabling survivors to apply to have settlements or judgements set aside if they occurred after the High Court Decision and before the new law commences. We look forward to reviewing the details of the legislation further to ensure it comprehensively addresses the barriers faced by victims and survivors.
Importantly, this action by the Victorian Government should serve as a catalyst for all jurisdictions to act. The impact of Bird v DP has extended nationwide, and it is essential that every state and territory move to clarify institutional liability and ensure a consistent legal framework so all survivors, regardless of where they live, have equal access to justice.
