The WA government is examining a “dismaying” High Court decision that the Catholic Church could not be held liable for child sex abuse by a priest under its supervision.

The state’s Department of Justice has been asked to develop options including legislation in response to the Bird v DP decision, which determined the church was not vicariously liable because the priest was not technically an employee of the diocese.

“The Bird decision affects victim-survivors across all Australian jurisdictions,” Attorney-General Tony Buti said. “I will therefore be sharing our work with attorneys-general across Australia at the upcoming standing council of attorneys-general to advocate for nationally consistent reforms.”

Dr Buti says many survivors of institutional child sexual abuse and their advocates have “expressed dismay” at the November decision, which has limited the avenue for compensation.

“I acknowledge the strength that survivors of child sexual abuse display when they choose to disclose their abuse to others,” he said.

“To then take the step of commencing proceedings against the institutions in which their abusers worked also takes incredible courage and tenacity.”

The Australian Lawyers Alliance says it is concerned at the court decision’s impact.

“We urge the WA government to swiftly consult with stakeholders and then legislate these reforms,” it says in a Facebook post.