ACT government spends over $60 million on medical negligence settlements in one year
The ACT government paid more than $60 million in damages, settlements and legal costs for medical negligence claims in the last financial year, roughly twice the amount spent the previous year.
In the most recent financial year, the ACT paid out over $60 million to resolve medical negligence lawsuits, a figure that doubles the amount recorded in 2023-24. Footpath-related personal injury claims cost the territory nearly $2.8 million, while it spent about $7.2 million on footpath upkeep during the same period. Independent MLA Thomas Emerson warned that such payouts are excessive for a small jurisdiction. Health Minister Marisa Paterson countered that the government is now settling cases more promptly.
Why it matters
Rising medical negligence payouts strain the ACT budget and prompt debate over settlement policies.
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