A landmark $75 million settlement has been reached in the Supreme Court of Tasmania, resolving a class action lawsuit against the state government over abuse at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
The settlement covers 129 former detainees who experienced abuse between 1961 and 2021 and is the state’s first successful class action.
Justice Stephen Estcourt described the case as “momentous” and authorised individual payments to range from $200,000 to over $1 million.
The agreement also includes access to financial advice and trauma counselling.
Lawyer Angela Sdrinis hailed the settlement as a “just and moral outcome”, emphasising the importance of finally being heard and believed for her clients.
She called for the immediate closure of Ashley, noting that dozens more potential claimants have not been included in the settlement, particularly recent detainees who allege abuse within the last few years.
Attorney General Guy Barnett is expected to address the decision and further calls for the immediate closure of the facility later today.
