Arnold Thomas & Becker has a media team who focus on raising awareness of issues important to our communities.

We welcome the opportunity to assist with media interviews and information requests.

For enquiries relating to media please contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 03 9614 1433

Nearly 400 Victorians taking legal action over alleged abuse at more than 200 schools

Nearly 400 Victorians are taking legal action over alleged abuse suffered at more than 200 state and private schools, prompting calls for a full statewide inquiry.

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Victorian Education Department refused to sack sexually abusive teacher at Macleod High School, memoir alleges

The Victorian Education Department sent unqualified teachers into classrooms in the 1960s and then failed to sack them following reports they were sexually abusing their students, according to recently discovered documents.

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Elihjohn O’Donnell’s memory to live on after fatal Lara house fire as newborn brother named in his honour

A Lara boy, who died in a horrific house fire in late 2022, will never get to meet his newborn brother. But Elihjohn O’Donnell’s memory will live on after the bub was named in his honour.

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Brian McKiterick paid out by Christian Brothers, Vincentian Fathers after institutional sexual abuse

A former Surf Coast mayor won a $550,000 settlement from two Catholic religious orders five days before his institutional abuse case was due to begin in the Supreme Court.

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Disability support worker suing former employer after thumb bitten off in attack

A disability support worker is suing her former employer after her thumb was bitten off during a violent prolonged assault by a client.

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Former road maintenance worker Glenn Dorain set to sue Brimbank Council after spider bite

A former council worker who had part of his foot amputated after a spider bite says his colleagues were offered bug spray when they raised concerns about workplace safety.

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Former Monash University student alleges she was sexually abused by a staff member

A former Monash University student who alleges she was “sexually abused and harassed” by her controlling male mentor has launched legal action against the university.

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Former Crown waiter dies from lung cancer ahead of civil trial against gaming giant

A former waiter who worked in one of Crown Resorts’ casino rooms for high rollers for nearly a decade has died from lung cancer just weeks before his negligence case against the gaming giant was set to be heard by the courts.

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Victims exposed in court hack ‘unlikely’ to be able to sue: legal expert

Sex abuse victims and underworld informants whose testimonies could be leaked online after a hack of the Victorian court system are highly unlikely to be able to sue for damages.

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Sick ex-stonemason Vilisunia Fakalata wins record silicosis payout from five former employers

A former stonemason who was diagnosed with an incurable lung disease after inhaling silica dust for more than 20 years has been awarded one of the highest payouts in Victorian history after he took five of his employers to court.

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Tomislav Perinovic sues Dr Abid-Ur Rahman, Melbourne Health for damages after Tullamarine murder-suicide

The heartbroken husband of Tullamarine mum Katica Perinovic – who killed their three children before taking her own life – is suing his wife’s doctor and hospital for negligence.

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Damages tally for church’s paedophile victim tops $4 million

The damages payout for a sexual assault victim of former Albury priest and convicted paedophile Vincent Kiss has risen to more than $4 million after the Catholic church failed in its appeal of a jury verdict.

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Paedophile teacher from school at centre of Beaumaris child sex abuse inquiry dies

A notorious paedophile who taught at the school at the centre of a Victorian government inquiry into historical sexual abuse in state schools has died.

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CrossFit athlete’s spine almost severed in workout with faulty gymnastics equipment

An aspiring athlete has been awarded a million dollar payout after suffering major spinal injuries while using faulty gymnastics equipment.

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The Catholic Church said an abuse victim deserved $250,000. A jury gave him $3 million

A Victorian jury has delivered a stinging rebuke to the Catholic Church, awarding $3.3 million to the victim of a notorious paedophile after the church argued compensation should be only $250,000.

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St John Vianney’s Primary School accused of failing to provide appropriate and adequate supervision when fight broke out

A seven-year-old boy has undergone brain surgery after he was allegedly punched in the head during a nasty fight at a school in Melbourne’s southeast.

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Shylah Rodden: How rollercoaster victim is defying the odds in her recovery

Shylah Rodden, 26, suffered serious injuries to her head, pelvis, arms, legs and back when she was struck by the Rebel Coaster at the Melbourne Royal Show in September last year.

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Luke Francis’s family share heartbreak over concreter’s “100 per cent preventable” death

Luke Francis was a funny and vibrant concreter who was days away from starting work on a major construction project.

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Education department likened to Catholic Church for shifting accused teacher from school to school

Fourteen men are suing the Victorian Government for alleged abuse by their teacher who was shuffled from public school to school, as the education department was likened to the Catholic Church for moving pedophile priests.

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Crown waiter claims high-roller smoke caused his lung cancer

A Crown casino waiter diagnosed with terminal lung cancer has launched legal action against the gambling giant after he was regularly exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke in one of the venue’s high-roller rooms.

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Mushroom lunch case sends social media sleuths into overdrive

Wild speculation into Erin Patterson’s fatal mushroom lunch has run so rife around the world that a fair trial would be “almost impossible” if charges were laid, legal experts fear.

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State response to Commission child sexual abuse inquiry ‘could fall short’

Tasmanian victim-survivors of institutional child sexual abuse feel they are being kept in the dark as they wait for the Commission of Inquiry (COI) to deliver its final report ahead of the formal closing of the inquiry this week.

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Man takes legal action for alleged abuse at Launceston General Hospital

A man who allegedly experienced sexual abuse from a male paediatric nurse at the Launceston General Hospital (LGH) is taking legal action against the State of Tasmania.

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Mother of coward punch victim Luke Francis sues Crown Casino over alleged negligence

The heartbroken mother of coward punch victim Luke Francis is suing Crown Casino, alleging staff were negligent for failing to kick out her son’s killer prior to the attack.

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Shock number of sex abuse claims at Victorian schools

Almost 300 former students of 180 Victorian schools are pursuing historic child abuse claims, with each victim potentially due to receive a multimillion-dollar payout.

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Ex-St Paul’s Technical College student says Christian Brothers ignoring sexual abuse claims

A former Ballarat schoolboy says the Christian Brothers have refused to discuss a civil claim he brought against the congregation over alleged historic child sexual abuse.

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Black Summer firefighter Robert Riordan launches legal action against CFA over cancer claim

A volunteer firefighter who battled the Black Summer bushfires has launched legal action against the Country Fire Authority after his cancer compensation claim was rejected.

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Arnold Thomas & Becker promotes 17, hires 11

Following another year of double-digit growth, Arnold Thomas & Becker has welcomed 11 new lawyers to the firm, as well as promoted a further 17 legal staff.

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Family of cop assault victim Andrew Birch sues Victoria Police

The family of a Geelong man who died from a drug overdose a week after he was assaulted by a senior sergeant is suing Victoria Police.

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Girl claims Williamstown High staff failed to act on sex abuse reports

A schoolgirl who claims she repeatedly raised the alarm to Williamstown High staff that she was being sexually abused is suing the state for her teachers’ lack of action.

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Anglican Church sued over alleged failures with pedo youth group leader

The Anglican Church is being sued over allegations it enabled child sex abuse by allowing a pedophile to lead a youth group in the 1980s.

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State care abuse: Indigenous man reveals horror treatment in hostel

A vulnerable Indigenous boy who was routinely raped, physically abused and bullied in state care has reached a $1.3m settlement with the Victorian government.

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Charges prompt new sex abuse claims against St Kilda Little League coach Darrell Ray

Fresh sex abuse allegations have surfaced against a St Kilda Little League coach who this week faced dozens of indecent assault charges.

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Bendigo Hospital patient claims male workers sexually assaulted her while sedated

A woman who allegedly woke in hospital to two male technicians assaulting her claims the incident left her so afraid to fall asleep that she suffered a stroke.

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Student forced by teacher Mark Veysey to strip naked at Kew’s Glendonald School for the Deaf

A former student whose teacher forced him to strip naked during “sex education” classes at a school for the deaf has won a $1m payout.

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Served: Former Goulburn Valley Grammar student to sue school, teacher over alleged prostitution, sex abuse

Former student Camille Waring has launched legal action against the Shepparton private school over years of sexual abuse she allegedly endured from former teacher Rodney Howes on school grounds and in the home of another GVGS staff member.

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Kathleen Morris prepares to launch legal action over facelift horror at Melbourne clinic

Our client, who was left with permanent scarring and paralysis after a facelift, is preparing to launch legal action against the cosmetic surgeon who operated on her.

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Hiding behind tombstones: The new legal tactics blocking justice for survivors

Arnold Thomas & Becker Principal Kim Price and his client were featured in Four Corners in an expose which examines the legal tactics hindering the justice process for survivors.

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Centrelink worker Joeanne Cassar plans to sue after being stabbed at Airport West

A Centrelink worker stabbed in a bloody ambush in Airport West is planning to launch legal action against the welfare agency for failing to protect her.

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Former graffiti removalist receives compo payout from council contractor

A former graffiti removalist who developed an irreversible lung disease has won a payout from Citywide Service Solutions, which is owned by Melbourne City Council.

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Brighton Grammar historic sex abuse allegations: more victims come forward

A dozen former Brighton Grammar students have come forward to Arnold Thomas & Becker alleging historic sexual and physical abuse that occurred at the school between the 1960s and 1980s.

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Channel 9: Ex-Melbourne Demons footballer Daniel Hayes sues AFL and junior coach Mark Heaney

A former Melbourne Demons recruit is suing the AFL and a former coach of his from a junior football league, who he alleges sexually assaulted him after a game when he was a teenager.

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Ex-Melbourne Demons footballer Daniel Hayes takes legal action against AFL and junior coach Mark Heaney

Arnold Thomas & Becker has issued a writ in the Supreme Court of Victoria against the AFL and former Eastern Ranges’ assistant Mark Heaney this week.

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Victim awarded $1.75m over paedophile priest

A survivor of one of Victoria’s most notorious paedophile priests has received a further $1.75 million from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in one of largest ever settlements for clerical abuse in Victoria.

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Questions raised over sexually abusive doc’s past

The number of women who have approached Arnold Thomas & Becker with allegations about a sexually abusive local doctor has continued to climb as questions are raised about his past.

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Dr Milky sentenced for sexual assault of women

Following the sentencing of Dr Shafiul Milky last week, Channel 9 featured this topic as their lead story, with Arnold Thomas & Becker lawyer Jodie Harris speaking about the sentence and the offences.

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Former Goulburn Valley Grammar student to sue school, teacher over alleged prostitution, sex abuse

A former Goulburn Valley Grammar School student claims her former teacher convicted sexual predator Rodney Howes “pimped her out” to a Victoria Police officer and sexually assaulted her on school grounds.

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Ricardo Fuentes reveals extent of injuries in Craigieburn workplace incident

A Melbourne tradie who narrowly escaped death after falling 10m to the ground when scaffolding collapsed at a building site wants people to speak up about unsafe work sites.

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Ex-Brighton Grammar student alleges he was beaten by school teachers, principal

A former Brighton Grammar student has launched legal action against the school alleging he was a victim of violent corporal punishment at the hands of multiple teachers and the principal.

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Ex-sex worker sues US in abuse claim

A former Melbourne sex worker has launched legal action against the US government over allegations a senior officer in the US Navy had sex with her in the 1990s - when she was just 15 and addicted to heroin.

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Shafiul Milky survivor Fran Millington speaks out

A survivor of GP Shafiul Milky, who committed multiple sexual offences against his patients, has detailed the trauma she suffered during her decade-long fight for justice.

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Claims Kardinia International College founding principal ‘should have known’ about alleged abuse

The principal who led Kardinia International College at the time three students were allegedly assaulted remains on the school’s board.

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28th Quills: Regional and Rural Journalism, sponsored by TAC

We were pleased to learn that recently one of the journalists that we have collaborated with, won the 2022 Regional and Rural Journalism Quill for ‘Institutional abuse: A city’s scars laid bare”.

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Ex-student allegedly abused at Kardinia International College

Another former Kardinia International College student has launched legal action, claiming he was groomed and sexually assaulted by a music teacher.

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Max Jones suing Aussie basketballer Jock Landale over alleged high school assault

Max Jones, son of AFL personality Sam Newman, is taking legal action against Geelong Grammar for negligence and “failing to institute a culture at the school th­at ­prevented the abuse of students by fellow students”.

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Alleged Shafiul Milky victims approach law firm

Several women have come forward to Arnold Thomas & Becker alleging abuse by their Dr Shafiul Milky - this week he was charged on 15 counts of assault.

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Former students of Rosebud High drama teacher Peter Sutton speak out on alleged abuse

Eight people have come forward to Arnold Thomas & Becker with accusations against Rosebud High drama teacher Peter Sutton following years of sexual abuse throughout the 1980s, when the students were only teenagers.

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Victoria Police pay out $42m in legal settlements over past five years

Victoria Police has paid out more than $42 million in civil settlements and legal costs over the past five years, with payouts for bad behaviour rising amid a significant drop in public satisfaction with the force.

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Prison inmate sues Port Phillip Prison

A Melbourne jail so packed with prisoners it welded single beds into bunks is now being sued after an inmate toppled to the floor while climbing into bed.

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Shylah Rodden discharged from hospital

Rollercoaster victim Shylah Rodden has taken a major step on her long road to recovery having finally been discharged from hospital. 

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Music icon’s daughter sues State

The daughter of music legend Russell Morris alleges she was the victim of child sex abuse while on Sandringham College overseas trip.

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Former Emerald student sues teacher over alleged sexual offences

A former student from Emerald Secondary College has launched civil action with Arnold Thomas & Becker against the school’s former drama and music teacher, alleging he engaged in dozens of sexual acts with her while she was in years 11 and 12.

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Catholic church pressuring alleged victims of dead paedophile priests to accept ‘paltry’ payouts

The Catholic church has adopted an increasingly aggressive approach to alleged victims of now-dead paedophile priests, using recent rulings to pressure survivors to accept “paltry amounts” or risk having their claims permanently blocked.

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Marcia tells her story for Motorcycle Awareness Month

It was a normal morning for Marcia and her husband Jamin on Saturday 6 March 2021, when tragedy struck.

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Former Surf Coast mayor Brian McKiterick launches institutional abuse legal action

A former Surf Coast mayor is calling on institutional abuse survivors to seek support, as he launches legal action against two Catholic orders alleging he was groomed and abused by teachers at separate schools.

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Government and security company reach multimillion-dollar settlements with Manus Island guards

A private security company and the federal government have spent tens of millions of dollars settling legal claims brought by Manus Island guards who were left physically or mentally damaged from riots at the detention centre.

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Seven separate writs issued in massive abuse case

Arnold Thomas & Becker has issued seven separate legal proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria against the Trustees of the Christian Brothers alleging the abuse of young boys throughout the 1970s and early 1980s at Christian Brothers College (now Emmanuel College).

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Aldi sued over sale chaos injury

An elderly woman is suing supermarket giant Aldi after she suffered a fractured hip when she was struck by a trolley and fell to the ground at a Victorian store during a television buying frenzy.

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ATB names new Principals

Arnold Thomas & Becker has more than doubled the number of principals in its ranks, as the firm recorded a significant increase in revenue in the last financial year.

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Four former Ashley Youth Detention Centre residents sue Tasmanian government over alleged abuse

Another four former residents of Ashley Youth Detention Centre in Tasmania's north are taking legal action against the Tasmanian government over allegations they were sexually and physically abused by guards while in the care of the facility.

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Law firm says Tasmanian government should accept accountability in civil claims over Griffin

Arnold Thomas & Becker has called on the Tasmanian government to accept responsibility following the sexual abuse of several young women who were abused as children by state employee James Geoffrey Griffin.

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Jim fled his abusers and hid in a cinema. Movies became his life

The moment that saved Jim Sherlock sounds like it’s from a movie. Fittingly, it happened in a cinema – a refuge that started off as shelter and later became his life’s work.

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Melbourne Uni colleagues left lecturer ‘suicidal’

A respected academic claims she was “mercilessly bullied and harassed by senior staff” at Melbourne University after being redundant.

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Manus Island guard settles compo court bid

A former Manus Island security guard has reached a settlement with the Commonwealth and security firm G4S after she launched legal action in Victoria's Supreme Court.

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Former Manus Island guard reaches settlement with G4S, Commonwealth over 2014 riots

A former Manus Island security guard says she wants to reconnect with her family and experience happiness again after successfully suing the operators of the detention centre and the Australian government over her exposure to violence in the deadly 2014 riots.

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Christian policeman faces disciplinary action after posting ‘there are 2’ genders

A veteran police officer faces further disciplinary action over online posts that appear to mock a colleague promoting gender equality in the force, while also taking a swipe at reporting by the ABC about teachers who supported non-binary and gay students.

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Mother tells of daughter’s trauma under care of paedophile nurse

The Tasmanian Government hopes the Commission of Inquiry which starts n Monday will help ensure past child abuse crimes are not repeated.

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Geelong: The quirky feature set to stay as law firm buys Geelong landmark

Injury law firm Arnold Thomas and Becker has secured a Geelong landmark for its new local headquarters. The firm has paid $3.15 million for Victoria House, a seven-storey office building built in the 1970s at 79-81 Moorabool St, and is set to spend even more on a significant makeover in the next year.

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She feared for her life’: Former guard sues Manus Island operator, government over riots

A former security guard at the Manus Island detention centre is suing the facility’s operator and the Australian government over her exposure to hours of violence during the fatal 2014 riots, which her lawyers argue left her with serious psychiatric injuries.

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Man sues church amid fears Gippsland priest had more victims

There are fears a Gippsland primary school priest who threatened a boy with going to hell if he spoke of alleged abuse could have more victims.

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Partner, Kim Price talks to 7.30 about representing clients abused by notorious Launceston General Hospital paedophile, James Griffin.

Partner, Kim Price talks to 7.30 about representing clients abused by notorious Launceston General Hospital paedophile, James Griffin.

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Tiffany Skeggs breaks her silence about years of abuse at the hands of notorious paedophile James Griffin

Bouncing onto the outdoor courts on frosty mornings in Launceston, northern Tasmania, the naturally talented netballer was in her element.

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Changes urged after tragic death of cyclist Arzu Karakoc

A coroner has called for major changes after a Melbourne mum was killed while cycling to see a friend.

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Disability worker awarded $25,000 for injury at Hopkins Falls

Workers fell stepping backwards from hoist breaking her ankle and severely damaging her knee.

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LGH patient alleges she was raped by paediatric nurse

Rape allegation against LGH nurse James Geoffrey Griffin among claims in two more lawsuits against state.

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Two victims of alleged LGH paedophile nurse James Geoffrey Griffin sue the state

Two women who claim they were sexually abused by paediatric nurse James Geoffrey Griffin at the Launceston General Hospital while they were teenagers are suing the Tasmanian Government for damages

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Uber Eats faces test case over driver’s ruptured ACL during delivery

Uber Eats is facing a potential test case for paying workers compensation to those hurt on the job...Read More about this article here

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Melbourne’s top legal eagles revealed

From gangland lawyers to those taking on powerful institutions and advocating for change, these are Melbourne’s most influential lawyers.

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Jehovah’s Witnesses among 34 additional organisations to formally sign up to national sexual abuse redress scheme

The Jehovah's Witnesses have formally signed up to the national redress scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, more than a year after they were named and shamed for holding out.

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Another ex-Ashley Youth Detention Centre detainee sues over abuse

Another former Ashley Youth Detention Centre detainee is suing the Tasmanian government amid claims he was regularly “punched for fun” while incarcerated.

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Former student awarded $600,000 after being abused by teacher at Warrnambool North Tech

A former Warrnambool student has received a payout of $600,000 after being sexually abused by a teacher. The Warrnambool North Technical School student lodged a Supreme Court writ against the state government claiming he was sexually abused by a teacher in the 1980s.

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Ashley Youth Detention Centre sexual assault claim issued against Tasmanian government

A man who says he was physically and sexually assaulted at Ashley Youth Detention Centre over a period of five years will take on the Tasmanian government in the state's Supreme Court.

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Catholic abuse victim’s pay out bumped to $2m

The Catholic Church has been forced to pay the victim of out notorious priest Kevin O’Donnell $2 million after initially forking out just $27,000.

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$1.4m for victim of paedo Christian Brothers

A Melbourne man finally has justice five decades after suffering horrific sexual abuse at the hands of the church and government..

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Workers v bosses: War brewing over back to work orders

Employers and staff are “on a collision course” as employees are ­ordered back to work, with lawyers warning bosses could be sued.

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Firm backs South-West lawyer to bring practice to region

South-west lawyer Nicole Elliott-Struth gets backing of Arnold Thomas and Becker to bring practice to region.

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Staffer accused of Ashley Youth Detention Centre abuse promoted

An employee of Tasmania's only youth detention centre was promoted after allegations of serious misconduct were made against them, the ABC can reveal.

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James Griffin and Tasmanian Health Service subject of class action investigation

A class action investigation has been launched against the Tasmanian Health Service in response to child sex allegations against former paediatric nurse James Griffin.

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Toorak real estate agent wins bid to block access to court documents

Prominent real estate agent Ross Savas, who has brokered record deals for some of Melbourne's most prestigious homes, has intervened to block the release of details about a civil case brought by a former female employee against his agency.

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Aged care home facing threat of legal action amid negligence claims

Distressed families have spoken out at about how aged care homes handled the care of their loved ones, and are seeking legal advice to help understand what went wrong.

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Australian government put Manus staff at risk of harm in lead-up to deadly riots, court told

A security officer at the Manus Island detention centre suffered severe psychiatric injuries after the Australian government and his employer, G4S, failed to provide him and other staff with adequate safety equipment, training and support in the lead-up to riots that left one person dead and 77 people injured, a court has heard.

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Surfing legend Ross Clarke-Jones is SUING Australian Survivor producers after horrifically breaking his ankle on the show

Surfing legend Ross Clarke-Jones is suing Australian Survivor producers, a new report has claimed.

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Injured surface sues over Survivor fall

BIG-WAVE surfer Ross Clarke-Jones is taking legal action against the producers of Australian Survivor, claiming he suffered a debilitating injury during filming of the hit reality show.

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Survivor Australia star Ross Clarke-Jones suing producers over horror injury sustained on set

A champion big wave surfer who starred in a recent season of reality television juggernaut Survivor is suing over a horror accident that he says caused a debilitating injury.

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Greg Mortimer Covid-19 Cruise Class Action

An Australian law firm is launching a class action against a luxury cruise liner after 128 of the 217 people on board became infected with COVID-19.

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‘They played Russian roulette with our lives’: Cruise ship passengers to sue

Passengers on the ill-fated Greg Mortimer cruise ship that set sail for Antarctica four days after the coronavirus was declared a pandemic are poised to launch a class action after 128 people on board became infected.

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Melbourne Uni pays out $700,000 to PhD student ‘groped’ by professor

The University of Melbourne has paid $700,000 in compensation to a former PhD student who alleges she was sexually assaulted and harassed by a professor, amid claims the prestigious institution concealed previous complaints about inappropriate behaviour by the decorated academic.

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Manus guard pleads with Morrison to settle claim before taking life

A former security guard left severely traumatised by the deadly riots at the Manus Island detention centre has taken her own life before her legal battle with the Australian government and G4S Australia reaches court - after writing a suicide note addressed to the Prime Minister.

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Guard sues over fire injury

A SECURITY guard is suing the state's director of housing after he suffered horrific burns in a fire at a block of flats.

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‘Significant’ Compensation payout for couple shot by police inside Melbourne’s Inflation Nightclub

Victoria Police criticised by the state's anti-corruption watchdog for its "failure" to properly investigate the actions of officers who shot two people at a Melbourne nightclub two years ago.

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