Goodwood Orphanage
Duncan Basheer Hannon is representing more than 30 woman who suffered alleged physical and sexual abuse at the Goodwood Orphanage during the 1950s.

The Adelaide Archdiocese of the Catholic Church has made a compensation offer, which is being considered by the victims.

All the women were wards of the state at the time of the abuse, many of them child immigrants from the United Kingdom.

The Sisters of Mercy, an Irish order of nuns, were responsible for running the orphanage until it closed in 1975.

Meanwhile, similar allegations of sexual and physical abuse have been made by state wards who resided at other Adelaide orphanages. Duncan Basheer Hannon partner Peter Humphries says claims for compensation in these cases are also being considered.

For further information please contact Peter Humphries, Duncan Basheer Hannon, at phumphries@dbh.com.au  or phone 8231 3558.


Anglican Church Sexual Abuse
A settlement has been reached in the case of about 40 people who claim they were sexually abused by paedophile Robert Brandenburg, a former chief commissioner of the Church of England Boys Society (CEBS). 

The Adelaide Diocese of the Anglican Church has agreed to a compensation package for all the victims of Brandenburg, who committed suicide after being charged by police. 

Meanwhile, Duncan Basheer Hannon is involved in negotiations with the Anglican Church on behalf of 40 other people who allege they were abused by different clergy and church workers when they were children. 

The victims claim the church failed in its duty to protect them. 

For further information please contact Peter Humphries, Duncan Basheer Hannon, at phumphries@dbh.com.au or telephone (08) 8231 3668.


Eyre Peninsula Bushfires
Duncan Basheer Hannon is representing about 60 victims of a bushfire that swept the lower Eyre Peninsula in January 2005, causing an estimated $100 million in damage.

Compensation will be sought in a class action with proceedings expected to begin once a coronial inquest into the fire is completed later this year.

Lawyers for Duncan Basheer Hannon have been representing many of the victims at the inquest, which began in November last year and could take another two-three months to complete.

Civil action claiming alleged negligence is being considered against the driver of a vehicle that is believed to have accidentally started the fire on 10 January 2005, and also the Country Fire Service.

Those involved in the lawsuit include families and farmers who suffered losses as a result of the fire. Burning an area of 77,000 hectares, nine people were killed and 110 injured, with extensive damage to livestock and property, including the loss of more than 46,000 head of stock and the destruction of 93 homes, with many more badly damaged.

For further information please contact Libby Bayley, Duncan Basheer Hannon, at lbayley@dbh.com.au or phone 8231 3668.


Wards of State
Thirteen youth detention facilities in South Australia are listed in a class action issued on behalf of former wards of State who claim they were sexually abused while in State Government care.

Duncan Basheer Hannon has lodged a statement of claim in the District Court on behalf of a 41-year-old man who says he was sexually abused while a ward of the State at the Brookway Park home.

The action could involve the sexual abuse of several hundred boys and girls between 1960 and 2004.  It alleges the State Government was negligent in failing to appropriately screen staff before they were hired at State centres.

It is also alleged the State failed in its duty of care by not ensuring proper controls and supervision were in place to prevent predatory sexual activity.

Other State detention facilities named in the action include Allambi, Davenport House, Glandore Boys Home, Kumanka, Lochiel Park, Magill Boys Reformatory, Seaforth Children’s Home, Struan Farm, Stuart House, The Pines, Vaughan House and Windana Remand Home.

For further information please contact Matt DeGregorio, Duncan Basheer Hannon, at mdegregorio@dbh.com.au or telephone (08) 8231 3668.