The recent High Court decision in Bishop Paul Bird and DP (A Pseudonym [2024] HCA 41 has left many survivors of institutional abuse feeling abandoned by the legal system. While we cannot change the Court’s ruling, we can and must advocate for legislative reform that protects victims and ensures accountability.
That’s why Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers proudly supports the comprehensive open letter recently submitted to Victoria’s Attorney-General, calling for urgent legislative action to address the gaps created by this decision.
Standing with Survivors
At Ryan Carlisle Thomas, we work every day with survivors of institutional abuse. We see firsthand how legal decisions impact real people’s lives and their ability to seek justice and healing. The High Court’s decision in Bird v DP has created a two-tiered system where some survivors can access justice while others cannot, simply based on technical employment relationships rather than the reality of institutional control and responsibility.
Victoria has historically been at the forefront of progressive legal reform, particularly in areas affecting vulnerable community members. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse highlighted the need for comprehensive reform, which this High Court decision has effectively undermined.
The open letter’s call for legislative reform acknowledges what we know to be true: institutions that exercise control over individuals in positions of trust must be held accountable for the actions of those individuals, regardless of formal employment status.
Our Commitment Continues
While we support calls for legislative reform, we want survivors to know that legal options still exist. Institutions still owe duties of care, and we encourage all survivors to seek legal advice about their individual circumstances.
At Ryan Carlisle Thomas, we remain committed to fighting for justice for survivors of institutional abuse, supporting legislative reform efforts, and ensuring our community’s most vulnerable members have access to appropriate legal remedies. Learn more about our trauma-informed approach to institutional abuse claims or contact us for a fully confidential, free, no-obligation consultation.
