Member for Roe Peter Rundle MLA has welcomed the passage of a bill that will remove a time limit on victims of sexual abuse bringing legal claims against the State or other organisations through Parliament.
The bill which passed both houses on Tuesday, will allow thousands of claimants to access fair reparations for acts of child sexual abuse that may have been perpetrated decades ago.
Mr Rundle said the passage of the bill meant victims could begin to make claims as soon as the State Government gives effect to the law.
“Now victims have certainty that they will be able to bring their claims and have a better chance of receiving adequate reparations,” Mr Rundle said.
“This has been a long journey for many victims of sexual abuse, and while it isn’t yet over we can now say that Western Australia has taken a big step in the right direction.”
Mr Rundle spoke on the bill in Parliament, and recognised the tireless work of sexual abuse survivors and advocates, particularly Kirsty Pratt and the Beale family.
“Kirsty was in Parliament every day, a constant reminder that this is life changing legislation,” Mr Rundle said.
“The Beale family are constituents in my electorate of Roe, and I am proud that we could deliver this legislation that they have spent years fighting for.”
Hon Martin Aldridge, The Nationals WA Attorney-General spokesperson, commended the passage of the bill and those who provided valuable input.
“I want to recognise the contribution of Dr Graham Jacobs, former Member for Eyre, who initially proposed a similar reform through a private member’s bill in 2015,” he said.
“Although this is a substantially different bill, Dr Jacobs’ effort in working with victims and bringing a bill to the Parliament should be recognised.”