Tort law in Australia covers civil wrongs that are not contractual in nature. In essence, a tort arises when there’s a breach of a duty of care owed to another which results in damage or injury. This branch of law seeks to redress harms done by awarding compensation, typically in the form of damages, to the injured party. Here’s an overview of tort law in Australia:

Nature of Tort Law

Tort law in Australia has been largely inherited from English common law, and much of its principles have evolved from judicial decisions. While there are statutory provisions that touch upon torts in various Australian states and territories, many principles are still rooted in case law.

Key Torts in Australia

• Negligence: This is the most common tort. A person is negligent if they owe a duty of care, breach that duty, and as a result, cause damage or harm to another. For negligence to be established, it must be shown that:
  • A duty of care existed;
  • There was a breach of that duty;
  • Damage resulted from that breach.
• Defamation: This tort addresses damage to reputation. Australian defamation law aims to balance protection of individual reputation with freedom of expression. There have been significant legislative reforms in recent years to create uniformity in defamation laws across Australian jurisdictions.
• Trespass: This can be trespass to land, to the person (assault, battery), or to goods. It concerns direct interference with the rights of individuals.
• Nuisance: This tort deals with the unlawful interference with a person’s use or enjoyment of land or some right over it.
• Product Liability: Under the Australian Consumer Law, manufacturers and suppliers can be held liable for harm caused by defects in their goods.

Limitation Periods

There are limitation periods within which a plaintiff must commence an action in tort. These vary depending on the type of tort and the jurisdiction in Australia but are generally around three years from the date the cause of action accrued. There are exceptions, especially in cases where the harm or injury becomes apparent much later.

Reforms and the ‘Tort Crisis’

During the early 2000s, there was significant debate about a perceived ‘tort crisis’ in Australia. The main concerns revolved around skyrocketing insurance premiums, especially in professions like healthcare. As a result, several states and territories enacted reforms to cap damages in personal injury claims and establish thresholds below which damages could not be claimed.

Defences to Torts

There are various defences available in tort actions, depending on the nature of the tort. Common defences include contributory negligence (where the plaintiff contributed to their harm), volenti non fit injuria (consent to the risk of harm), and lawful justification (e.g., self-defence in a battery claim).

Damages

The primary remedy in tort law is damages, which are monetary compensation for harm or injury. The purpose is to put the injured party in the position they would have been had the tort not occurred.

Tort law in Australia is a multifaceted domain that provides remedies for a wide array of civil wrongs. While rooted in common law principles, it continues to evolve to address the changing needs and expectations of Australian society.