Tasmanian Child Abuse Claims Surge to $647 Million

Following an initial report that exposed the scale of child sex abuse in Tasmania, new revelations indicate that the number of claims has also surged, which is set to significantly impact the state’s finances. Tasmania’s recently released budget estimates show that the state’s liability could reach $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 Ashley Youth Detention Centre detainees, which is still operational. The rise in claims comes in the wake of 191 recommendations from a comprehensive inquiry into decades of child sexual abuse within Tasmania’s state care system. The inquiry’s final report in September described the Ashley Centre as a “monster” and a current risk, calling for its closure as soon as possible....