Government questioned over James Geoffrey Griffin sexual abuse legal dispute with alleged victims

The Solicitor-General - on behalf of the Tasmanian Health Service - has filed defence submissions in three cases brought against the department regarding alleged abuse perpetrated by James Geoffrey Griffin.

The government disputed various claims from the women - who were underage at the time - regarding the alleged abuse, that it was not liable for any abuse that occurred outside of the hospital environment, and listed its responses to complaints raised about Griffin's conduct.

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The three women must prove their case in court, although "early mediation" is encouraged in such cases.

In Question Time on Tuesday, Labor leader Rebecca White asked the government twice about its decision to contest the civil claims, and that they amount to "dragging" alleged victims through court.

Attorney-General Elise Archer said this type of language was unhelpful, before she spoke of the benefits of the National Redress Scheme for child abuse victims.

"We are not dragging people through the courts. I would urge the Leader of the Opposition to be careful with the language that she uses in relation to legal proceedings," she said.

"There is a process to go through, and of course the National Redress Scheme is designed so that civil proceedings can be avoided.

"I am unable to comment on the specifics of these cases, but I note that victim-survivors do have access to the redress scheme and counselling and everything we have put in place by way of supports."

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The National Redress Scheme has a cap of $150,000 - far less than payout figures nationally - but with a lower threshold for proving allegations compared with civil claims.

In determining a payout once allegations are proven, civil claims take into account the cost of mental health treatment and medication as a result of the abuse, as well as related loss of income and damages, rather than simply having a $150,000 cap like the redress scheme.

Ashley Youth Detention Centre clinical practice consultant Alysha - who has worked extensively with child abuse victims - said the redress scheme was not adequate for many victims.

She said victims were rarely driven by money, but the reality was that abuse has lifelong consequences.

"The damage and harm caused by abuse can be lifelong, nothing will alter that," Alysha said.

"However, a civil payout could enable their life to be less stressful in other areas whilst they take steps to recover and manage their wellbeing."

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She said the government has the ability to put every measure in place to support people to take part in the Commission of Inquiry.

The government brought in model litigant guidelines in 2019 for civil claims to be managed "fairly, efficiently and appropriately".

The three matters do not have listing dates in the Supreme Court.

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