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 they couldn’t be sued for the actions of one of their 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 now up to parliaments to act.

Recently, 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.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Lawyer and advocate Judy Courtin

Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

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&rsquo;s Diocese of Ballarat argued that they couldn&rsquo;t be sued for the actions of one of their priests, because priests are employed by God &ndash; not by the Church.
The ruling in the Church&rsquo;s favour left thousands of survivors devastated &ndash; but the Court said it was now up to parliaments to act.
Recently, 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 &ndash; and how the Catholic Church will fight back.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy&nbsp;7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Lawyer and advocate Judy Courtin
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/Dean Lewins

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper.

A daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

How the Catholic church fights abuse survivors

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/46e6ae6a-a345-4e7d-9732-b3940082296b/transcript

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