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The ACT has become the first jurisdiction to pass legislation expanding the liability of churches, sporting groups and other organisations to include the actions of paedophiles.
Such groups will be vicariously liable for the actions of those such as clergymen, volunteers and sporting coaches who are in positions akin to employment.
The case arose after the High Court found the Catholic Church was not vicariously liable for the actions of a paedophile priest because his arrangements were only akin to employment.
The court found that to be liable, the man would have had to be an employee.
The High Court suggested the only way to address the situation was with new laws.
And the ACT did just that, with other governments already contemplating their own versions.
In Victoria, things are moving faster.
The Attorney-General recently signalled a draft law would soon be public.
But, not everyone was pleased with the new law.
The Scouts, Cricket ACT, the Marist Brothers and other Catholic groups made submissions to the Assembly urging caution, and complaining there had not been enough time for proper consultation.
Source: New ACT law expands liability of institutions for the crimes of paedophiles – ABC News