by Loretta Lohberger, Georgie Burgess, ABC
Judge approves ‘momentous’ $75 million settlement for former Ashley Youth Detention Centre detainees
In short:
The Supreme Court of Tasmania has approved a $75 million settlement for former detainees of the Ashley Youth Detention Centre in what is Tasmania’s first class action.
One hundred and twenty nine former inmates alleged they had suffered, witnessed or were threatened with sexual abuse, serious physical abuse, and false imprisonment at the centre, between 1960 and 2023.
What’s next?
The lawyer who ran the class actions says the fact their stories of abuse had been believed is “as important, if not more important” than the monetary compensation they will receive — which in some cases could be up to a million dollars.
Read the full story here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-25/ashley-youth-detention-centre-class-action-settlement/104642214
Media release – Guy Barnett, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, 25 November 2024
Statement from the Attorney-General
The Tasmanian Government notes the resolution of the Ashley Youth Detention Centre Civil Claims Class Action.
The Tasmanian Government remains deeply committed to better protecting our children and young people, as well as ensuring more victim-survivors can access justice.
The Government was pro-active in progressing the settlement and co-operated with Counsel for the plaintiffs so that this complex matter could be resolved during mediation in a respectful and trauma-informed way.
We have heard the stories, and we acknowledge the lasting and negative impact that abuse has on the lives of children, young people and their families.
We thank those involved for coming forward, and for their bravery in reaching this important independent and legal milestone.
Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 25 November 2024
Statement on AYDC Settlement
On behalf of the Greens, I warmly welcome approval of the settlement in the Ashley Youth Detention Centre class action.
Nothing will ever undo the terrible failures of the past, but this landmark case has delivered a proper recognition of the harm caused to so many children over so many decades, and an acceptance of the truth of their stories.
We know successive governments have failed in their duty to protect children at Ashley, and dismissed the clear evidence and accounts of abuse and harm. For many victim-survivors this will be the first time they feel believed by people in positions of authority.
Unlike other similar cases of institutional abuse, this result isn’t just about the past – it’s about the present too. There is still a live and current risk of abuse occurring at Ashley, with frequent violations of the human rights of children at the centre. It’s utterly shameful.
We are so glad to see the government agree to this settlement, but it’s inexplicable to see them continuing to drag their feet on closing Ashley. It’s time they stopped making excuses and made this the urgent priority the Commission of Inquiry said it should be.
