Child Abuse Claims in Tasmania Increase to $647 Million

After an initial report exposed the extent of child sexual abuse in Tasmania, recent revelations indicate a significant surge in the number of claims, impacting the state’s finances considerably.

The latest budget estimates for Tasmania suggest a liability of $647 million (US$428.83 million) as of June 30, marking a $571 million increase from the previous year.

In June, the state agreed to a $75 million settlement with 129 former detainees of the Ashley Youth Detention Centre, which remains operational.

The rise in claims follows 191 recommendations from a thorough investigation into decades of child sexual abuse in Tasmania’s state care system. The final report in September labeled the Ashley Centre a “monster” and a current risk, urging for its immediate closure.

In response, Premier Jeremy Rockliff pledged to honor the victims by implementing meaningful reforms to establish Tasmania as a leader in child safety within government institutions.

While the commission advised closing Ashley without delay, the government plans to shut it down by July 2026 and replace it with therapeutic facilities under a new care model to be introduced next year. Pontville has been chosen as the preferred location for a new detention center to replace Ashley, with planning already in progress.

Meanwhile, Treasurer Michael Ferguson acknowledged the financial pressure of implementing the inquiry’s recommendations but stressed the importance of prioritizing these changes.

He declared, “It will be costly, but it’s necessary, and I’m willing to face any criticism for making the right decisions for our state’s future.”

The budget estimates caution that the actual costs may differ due to uncertainties surrounding the number of claims, with liabilities potentially exceeding or falling short of projections.

For National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service: 1800 211 028

AAP contributed to this report.