The ACT Supreme Court has been told that a growing number of former child inmates are alleging sexual abuse by a deceased prison guard, but critical delays from the territory government are stalling the progression of their cases.
Mounting Allegations and Procedural Hurdles
Defence barrister Anthony Williamson SC informed the court that ten plaintiffs have now come forward with claims of abuse at the hands of Brett Dennis, a guard who worked at both the Quamby Youth Detention Centre and the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre. Dennis, known to inmates by the nickname "Chicken," is now deceased.
However, only three of these alleged victims have been able to file formal statements of claim due to ongoing delays. Mr Williamson requested that these matters be consolidated and set down for trial to strengthen the legal arguments.
Government Delays Criticised
The court heard significant frustration regarding the slow progress, primarily attributed to the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate's failure to produce crucial documents in a timely manner. Mr Williamson emphasised that these delays are prejudicing his clients and weakening their collective case.
"The fewer claims that can be joined together for trial, the less force our tendency argument will have," he stated.
It is understood that three more alleged victims are currently unable to file statements because of these administrative hold-ups. A further four individuals, who have recently come forward, are in the earliest stages of initiating legal action.
Document Production Timeline
Michael Fordham SC, representing the ACT government, advised the court that he expected the relevant documents to be made available by March. This timeline contrasts sharply with initial estimates provided to the plaintiffs' legal team, which suggested the material would be handed over by June 2025.
Chief Justice Lucy McCallum acknowledged the urgency, telling Mr Williamson, "We just have to pull out all the stops to get that material to you."
Details of the Alleged Abuse
The filed statements of claim allege abuse by Dennis between 2004 and 2013. The claims paint a disturbing picture of systemic failure and predatory behaviour.
The first statement alleges that Dennis took a child victim to a chicken shed on the Quamby grounds and raped him.
The second statement claims that at the same now-closed centre, Dennis raped another child and forced him to perform sex acts, while also encouraging the young inmate to consume methamphetamine.
The third statement alleges that Dennis entered a child's cell at the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre on numerous occasions at night to indecently assault and rape him. This alleged victim also claims he was physically assaulted by staff and deprived of food at Marlow Cottage, a former residential youth home in Kaleen.
Allegations of Systemic Failure
The latter two statements argue that the ACT government breached its duty of care to these vulnerable children. The claims list multiple alleged failures, including:
- Failing to remove the guard in question from the detention centres.
- Failing to create and maintain a system where children felt safe and encouraged to report abuse.
- Failing to restrict staff from having unsupervised contact with young inmates.
Solicitors from Maliganis Edwards Johnson, who represent the plaintiffs, have expressed concern that the delays in producing material are inconsistent with the territory's stated commitment to a trauma-informed approach to institutional child sexual abuse.
Case Management and Next Steps
While the court did not consolidate the cases or set a trial date during the recent hearing, a judge has been allocated to manage the evolving civil proceedings. The matter continues to develop as more potential victims come forward.
The ABC first reported on a civil suit related to Dennis one year ago. Since that time, the number of claimants has grown significantly, with legal representatives expecting even more allegations to surface.
Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 6247 2525; Bravehearts 1800 272 831; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800.
