Sydney Compensation Specialists

19/05/2026

I was really pleased to move Walter's admission to the legal profession in the Supreme Court of NSW last week.

Walter Zhuang joined me in 2025 as a paralegal, and then progressed onto a graduate position. He started with limited experience but showed tenacity and commitment, and he became a really valuable asset. Walter's enthusiasm for a good chronology was matched only by his enthusiasm for GYG and Betty's Burgers.

Congratulations on this significant achievement Walter. Go forth and conquer!

18/05/2026

A welcome development.
Legislation has been enacted which will mean survivors can access the superannuation of offenders in satisfying claims for damages.

The Albanese Government is ensuring convicted child sexual abusers cannot hide their assets in superannuation to avoid paying compensation to their victims.We have today passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (The Survivors Law) Bill 2026 through the Parliament.

01/05/2026

Setting Aside Previous Settlements

Barclay v Trustees of the Marist Brothers VCC 1859 Author: Evelynn Wang Facts of the case: Between 1970 and 1974, the Plaintiff, Mr Barclay attended St Colman’s College, Shepparton, which was then operated by the Marist Brothers. In 1971, when he was approximately 14 years old, he was subjected to sexual abuse by John Skehan, a Marist Brother and teacher at the College....

Barclay v Trustees of the Marist Brothers [2024] VCC 1859 Author: Evelynn Wang Facts of the case: Between 1970 and 1974, the Plaintiff, Mr Barclay attended St Colman’s College, Shepparton, which wa…

23/02/2026

High Court Expands Institutional Liability – AA v Trustees of the Catholic Church for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Article by Evelynn Wang, paralegal.

Background Supreme Court In 2024, AA brought proceedings against the Catholic Church (Diocese of Maitland–Newcastle) alleging negligence, breach of a non-delegable duty of care and vicarious liability for sexual assaults said to have been committed by Father Pickin in 1968. Father Pickin was a priest who taught scripture at the local high school, which was attended by AA....

Article by Evelynn Wang, paralegal Background Supreme Court In 2024, AA brought proceedings against the Catholic Church (Diocese of Maitland–Newcastle) alleging negligence, breach of a non-delegabl…

20/02/2026

Great news for Victorians, with new legislation passed to rectify vicarious liability following the High Court's decision in DP v Bird. This will expand the liability of religious, sporting and other organisations for the criminal actions of their Priests, employees, volunteers etc.

There is similar legislation in the ACT, but NSW has not yet followed suit.

A bill reversing a High Court decision that found the Catholic Church could not be sued for the actions of a priest passes unopposed through Victoria's upper house.

19/02/2026

28/01/2026

Largest Award of Damages Relevant to Institutional Abuse (WA)

Dion Barber v State of Western Australia Background In September 2025, the District Court of Western Australia handed down the largest award of damages to a Plaintiff arising from institutional abuse in Western Australia’s history. The damages amounted to $2.846 million and this represented the first successful judgment against the State of Western Australia since the law reforms arising from the…...

Dion Barber v State of Western Australia Background In September 2025, the District Court of Western Australia handed down the largest award of damages to a Plaintiff arising from institutional ab…

19/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all of our clients and colleagues. Thank you for your trust, support and collaboration throughout the year.

As always, it has been a privilege to assist our clients during really difficult moments in their lives.

We wish you and your loved ones a safe, joyful and relaxing Christmas. 🎄 ❤️

07/11/2025

Legislative Developments in the ACT: The Civil Law (Wrongs) (Organisational Child Abuse Liability) Amendment Bill 2025 By Walter Zhuang Background Last year in late 2024, the High Court handed down the decision in Bird v DP (a pseudonym) HCA 41 that severely hindered the prospects of success for survivors of institutional abuse. That decision clarified that a strict employment relationship must exist for vicarious liability to be found on the part of an employer....

Legislative Developments in the ACT: The Civil Law (Wrongs) (Organisational Child Abuse Liability) Amendment Bill 2025 By Walter Zhuang Background Last year in late 2024, the High Court handed down…

20/10/2025

Special Provisions for Offenders in Custody Itani v State of New South Wales NSWDC 285 By Walter Zhuang

Itani v State of New South Wales [2023] NSWDC 285 By Walter Zhuang Background The Plaintiff in this case was a victim of sexual assault whilst he was incarcerated in 2018. He reported the matter to…