Barrister's claim that some women lie sparks national backlash and calls for legal education reform

Geoffrey Steward, a barrister in Melbourne, sparked controversy by stating that some women make false sexual assault allegations and that recognition should depend on a perpetrator’s confession or conviction. He also proposed that accused individuals not be identified in court unless they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The comments, shared on LinkedIn and endorsed by several senior lawyers, prompted an open letter from over 90 survivors and leaders in the anti-violence sector, who warned the views could perpetuate rape myths and deny services to victims.

The letter called for a review of legal education and highlighted research showing a small percentage of false reports but a large gap in reporting and conviction rates. Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny and federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland reiterated that victim-survivors deserve to be heard and supported irrespective of court outcomes. Experts cited the high attrition of sexual assault cases in the justice system and stressed that requiring a conviction would exclude the majority of survivors from assistance.