Tuesday, 28 October 2025
The Decision: DB v State of WA [2025] WADC 60
Examine the implications of this landmark decision which represents a significant development in institutional abuse jurisprudence raising critical questions about litigation strategy, risk management and institutional accountability. The case deals with three issues that have broader application:
- Scope and breach of duty in state ward matters
- The “good faith” defence
- Exemplary damages
Presented by John Rule, Principal Lawyer, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
Description
Attend and earn 0.5 CPD unit in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
Chair
Kate Stowell, Barrister, Svenson Barristers
Presenters
John Rule, Principal Lawyer, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
John is a principal lawyer and the national practice leader of abuse law at Maurice Blackburn. After joining Maurice Blackburn in 2011, John acted for plaintiffs in all areas of personal injury law predominantly in Victoria and the Northern Territory. Post-Royal Commission, John has specialised in abuse law and now oversees abuse practices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
Kate Stowell, Barrister, Svenson Barristers
Kate Stowell practises in common law, administrative law and family law. Kate has a significant practice in institutional abuse compensation, particularly matters involving child sexual abuse in State-run, religious and non-government institutions, including private schools and sporting organisations. In 2023, Kate was appointed by the Premier of Victoria as Junior Counsel Assisting the Board of Inquiry into historical child sexual abuse in Beaumaris Primary School and certain other government schools. In 2015, Kate represented survivors who gave evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Kate's administrative law practice focuses on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and review proceedings. Her family law practice includes intervention orders, parenting matters and child protection cases.
