Why Location Matters In Abuse And Institutional Claims
Why Location Matters In Abuse And Institutional Claims
Abuse law in Australia sits under a national umbrella after the Royal Commission yet the detail still depends heavily on which State or Territory is involved.
Where the abuse happened can affect:
- which limitation rules apply
- how far institutional liability reforms have gone
- whether there is a state redress or ex gratia scheme
- how model litigant or government guidelines work in practice
- which victims of crime or recognition payments might be open
- which courts, tribunals and regulators are involved
Donaldson Law acts for survivors across Australia. Our clients live in every State and Territory. Many now live somewhere different from where the abuse happened. The By State/Territory section of our website is designed to explain, in plain language, how abuse and institutional accountability work in each jurisdiction.
You do not need to work this out on your own before you contact us. This section is here so that you can get oriented then speak with us about how the law in your State or Territory applies to your situation.
What You Will Find In Each State And Territory Page
Each By State/Territory page takes you through the key features of abuse law in that jurisdiction. While the detail will vary, we generally cover:
- how civil abuse claims work against institutions in that State or Territory
- what has happened with limitation periods for child sexual abuse and other abuse
- how the jurisdiction has implemented reforms after the Royal Commission
- how government departments are expected to behave when facing abuse claims
- what victims of crime or financial assistance schemes exist
- how the National Redress Scheme interacts with local law
- any notable state redress schemes for people who were abused in state care
We also explain how Donaldson Law runs national work from our base in Queensland while respecting local rules and procedural requirements in each jurisdiction.
This content is general. It cannot replace tailored advice about your specific circumstances. Its purpose is to give you a clear, trauma informed overview so that the law feels a little less opaque before you speak with a lawyer.
National Firm, Local Rules
Donaldson Law is based in Queensland yet our work and our clients are national. Abuse does not respect borders and neither does our practice.
When you contact us about a matter in another State or Territory we:
- identify where the abuse happened and which jurisdiction’s law applies
- check which reforms, time limits and schemes are relevant in that place
- work with experienced counsel and local agents where a matter needs to be filed interstate
- keep you updated in plain language about what each procedural step means
You do not need to find a different firm just because the abuse happened in a State or Territory where you no longer live. We act for clients who are interstate or overseas as a normal part of our work. Most early steps can happen by phone or video at times that fit around your health and responsibilities.
Important Notes About This Information
A few things to keep in mind as you read the By State/Territory pages:
- the information is general and cannot take the place of legal advice about your specific matter
- abuse law continues to evolve, especially in relation to institutional liability, time limits and privacy or online abuse
- two people harmed in the same State can still face very different legal landscapes because of timing, institutions involved and personal circumstances
If something on a State or Territory page does not seem to match your situation that does not mean you are out of options. It simply means the law needs to be applied to your facts with more care.
By State And Territory FAQs
If you have experienced abuse or serious institutional mistreatment and you are unsure how the law in your State or Territory applies you can contact us by phone, email or through our online form.
