Tasmanian Child Abuse Claims Surge to $647 Million

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

Tasmanian Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia on March 24, 2024. AAP Image/Rob Blakers

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.