Liability to survivors of child sexual abuse projected to reach $80 million
18 May 2026
Liability to survivors of child sexual abuse projected to reach $80 million
The Anglican Diocese of Tasmania has received updated actuarial advice that the total estimated liability for historic child sexual abuse could climb to $80 million. The outstanding liability is likely to be paid over the next 15 years.
The original estimate was $10 million, given back in 2018 when the National Redress Scheme was established. The estimates of total liability have steadily risen since then, to $23 million in 2020, then to $36 million in 2023. The increase is due to a combination of an increase in the numbers of survivors coming forward and making a claim, and an increase in both the average civil claim settlement amount and the number of people making civil claims.
“We are deeply ashamed of what happened to these children when they were in our care. What the perpetrators did was pure evil and we condemn it,” says the Rt Revd Dr Richard Condie, Bishop of Tasmania. “They are not our crimes, but they are our responsibility.”
“Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we willingly sacrifice our financial resources in hope that survivors might find a measure of peace and justice.”
“A financial settlement can never undo what has been done, but we are committed to doing what we can to recognise and support survivors.”
In 2018, the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania passed the Redress Fund Ordinance to raise the money that was needed to meet their obligations under the National Redress Scheme. The plan included selling 73 properties across the state (churches, cemeteries and vacant land), and various levies on parish investments.
In 2020, and again in 2023, further decisions by the Synod allowed for the redirection of capital used to support chaplaincy in prisons, local parish ministry and ministry to young people to meet the increased financial commitments to survivors. These decisions reduced the income available to support children’s and youth ministry, parish ministry and chaplaincy across Tasmania. This has had an impact on the church’s ability to continue delivering these important ministries.
“Our Redress Working Group is meeting to consider new options to find the additional funds needed to meet our commitment to survivors in the coming years,” says Bishop Richard Condie. “Everything is on the table.”
“The past decisions to sell property and redirect capital were difficult at the time, but now we will be considering more far-reaching options. We are not making any immediate decisions or changes, but the sacrifices we will need to make will affect us all.”
“It might be tempting to feel overwhelmed at the challenge ahead, but I would like to assure all Anglicans and all Tasmanians that we are working hard to ensure that we can continue delivering essential pastoral care and ministry across Tasmania. That is our primary work.”
“We do not yet know how this new estimate of liability will affect our operations, but we know that God loves all Tasmanians and we are committed to bringing the good news of Jesus to all Tasmanians even if it means making significant changes to our models of how this happens,” says Bishop Richard Condie.
The Anglican Diocese of Tasmania has no tolerance for abuse of any kind, and the safety of children and vulnerable people in our church communities is paramount.
“We are humbled by the courage of those who have come forward and made a claim. We know it is not easy and we take all claims very seriously. I encourage any person who suffered abuse in the Anglican Church in the past to come forward,” says Bishop Condie.
Over the last twenty-seven years, the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania has instituted many changes in order to protect children and vulnerable people and prevent abuse. The Anglican Church has been working hard to screen, educate and develop church leaders and volunteers who are working with vulnerable people. We have improved our response to and support for survivors of sexual abuse.
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Bishop Richard Condie will give a press conference on the steps of St David’s Cathedral (Murray St) on Monday 18 May at 11am. Please contact Media Manager Tess Delbridge on 0407 545 956 or tess.delbridge@anglicantas.org.au with any enquiries.