Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Berry highlighted that the reforms follow years of advocacy and address the failure of the system to deliver compensation to survivors. Berry cited the case of Maurice Van Ryn, who hid assets in superannuation to avoid paying damages, illustrating the injustice the bill seeks to correct. Berry explained that the bill allows survivors to apply for information from the Australian Taxation Office and seek court orders to release superannuation funds after 12 months of unpaid debts. Berry noted that compensation debts will survive bankruptcy, applying to both current and future cases, and affirmed that a review would assess the legislation's effectiveness once operational.

Wallace strongly supported the bill, citing statistics on online child sexual exploitation and the case of Ashley Paul Griffith to underscore the severity of the issue. Wallace acknowledged the Coalition's earlier work on these reforms under Kelly O'Dwyer and thanked Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino for progressing the legislation. Wallace argued that the bill provides a measured and proportionate response by allowing survivors to access superannuation information and obtain release orders for unpaid compensation. Wallace emphasised that the legislation should not be delayed and recognised the vital role of advocates and organisations like the Daniel Morcombe Foundation in driving change.

Witty argued that the bill addresses a fundamental injustice where survivors relive trauma in court only to receive no compensation due to financial loopholes. Witty stated that the legislation ensures accountability by allowing access to offender superannuation and preventing bankruptcy from erasing compensation debts. Witty highlighted the lifelong impacts of abuse on mental health, employment, and financial security, noting that compensation is often essential for rebuilding lives. Witty welcomed the review mechanisms in the bill, viewing it as a foundation for further reforms rather than a final solution, and praised the bipartisan unity in supporting survivors.

Aldred commended the bill for closing loopholes that allowed perpetrators to shield assets, citing the cases of Peter Liddy and Maurice Van Ryn as examples of systemic failure. Aldred acknowledged the work of advocates like Andrew Carpenter and Hetty Johnston, who exposed the injustice of survivors being left without compensation. Aldred explained that the bill establishes a court-supervised process with safeguards, allowing survivors to seek limited superannuation information and obtain release orders. Aldred supported swift passage to avoid unnecessary delays, while noting that future discussions could address broader categories of violent crime and retrospective application.

Briskey described the bill as a necessary step to ensure court-ordered compensation is meaningful, referencing the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Briskey explained that the reforms allow survivors to access superannuation contributions and ensure compensation debts survive bankruptcy, including for cases currently in progress. Briskey highlighted the material impact of abuse on survivors' lives, using the story of a survivor named Trev to illustrate the need for financial support for therapy and stability. Briskey committed to ongoing review and engagement with survivors to address remaining barriers and ensure the legislation delivers on its intent.