The Federal Government is moving to close a loophole that allowed convicted paedophiles to declare bankruptcy to avoid paying compensation to their victims.
A vocal campaign led by Edan Van Haren, a victim survivor of former Bega Cheese boss Maurice Van Ryn has resulted in the Commonwealth finally proposing new laws.
The draft legislation now out for public comment designed to prevent perpetrators like Van Ryn from avoiding having to pay court imposed compensation.
In 2023 he was ordered by the courts to pay Van Haren $1.4-million but the 29-year-old is still to receive a single cent.
Local Federal MP Kristy McBain has been a strong advocate with her ministerial colleagues to close the current loopholes.
“The release of this draft legislation I think will come as a real win for survivors who have been been campaigning on this for a while,” Ms McBain said.
“I have been working as diligently as I can behind the scenes to make sure this work was released as soon as possible so it’s a good day for survivors and it will be even better when it is enshrined into law,” she said.
The Member for Eden-Monaro and Minister for Emergency Management and Local Government praised those leading the charge like Edan Van Haren.
“Particular praise to Edan who has obviously gone through a really high profile case to use that to try to create momentum for change, not only for him but for other victim survivors as well. I think that is a real class act.”
Van Ryn was sentenced to 13 years jail in 2015 for abusing nine boys and girls since 2003.
In 2019 he pleaded guilty to the abuse of Van Haren and was handed a further of nine years behind bars.
Van Ryn will be eligible for parole in April 2029.
For more information on the public consultation process, and to make a submission visit Access to super for victims of child sexual abuse – draft legislation – Consult hub
