Legal claims against the ACT Government are costing tens of millions of dollars a year and should be targeted as part of efforts to repair the Territory’s finances, independent MLA Thomas Emerson says.

Budget estimates answers obtained by the Kurrajong MLA show more than $60 million was spent on damages, settlements and legal costs relating to medical negligence claims in 2025-26.

Mr Emerson said medical negligence payouts had more than doubled since 2023-24 and called on the government to investigate whether more claims could be prevented.

The figures also show $3.2 million has been spent settling eight institutional abuse claims over the past three financial years, with 85 claims opened during that period.

Footpath-related personal injury claims cost more than $2.77 million in 2025-26, which Mr Emerson said was equivalent to 38 per cent of the amount the government spent repairing footpaths during the year.

The Australian Federal Police is also named as a respondent in 29 civil proceedings currently before the courts relating to police actions in the ACT, including 18 involving or including the use of force.

“While not every lawsuit is avoidable, the ACT Government should be closely investigating the impact of its growing legal bill on the Territory’s finances,” Mr Emerson said.

He said reducing preventable legal claims presented an opportunity for the government to cut costs while reducing harm to the community.

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