Paedophiles should not be entitled to hide assets
In 2018 the Liberal Government called a press conference in which they would be pushing for a change in legislation in order to enable survivors of sexual abuse to access the superannuation of offenders for compensation. This change was propose after paedophile Maurice Van Ryn placed an estimated $9 million into his superannuation prior to being sentenced.
Under the present law, superannuation is deemed a ‘protected asset’ meaning funds held in superannuation accounts survive bankruptcy. There is no way a survivor of sexual assault can access these funds.
This resulted in many of his survivors being unable to access the redress they deserve.
Despite the Liberal Government promising to pass this legislation in 2018, nothing has been done.
In 2020 Websters Lawyers Senior Associate, Andrew Carpenter, who has successfully represented many survivors of sexual abuse, commenced advocating for this change in legislation.
Since being made aware of this proposed legislation Andrew has been instrumental in bringing together charities, politicians and support groups to push for this change.
Paedophiles should not be entitled to hide assets or live a comfortable retirement despite their heinous crimes. We are hopeful that this change will assist all Australian survivors and enable them to obtain the damages they deserve.
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"The only people that would be against implementing this legislation would be the paedophiles themselves."
Andrew Carpenter
Websters Lawyers
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