– Tasmanian public servants under investigation for child sexual abuse
– Internal inquiry reveals adverse findings in child sexual abuse case involving Tasmanian public servants.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Almost half of the public servants identified in Tasmania’s Commission of Inquiry into child sexual abuse are still employed and under internal investigation, six months after the release of the report, according to Premier Jeremy Rockliff. The inquiry found that 22 public servants had allegedly committed child sexual abuse, while 42 others had allegedly failed to take proper steps to prevent abuse or act on allegations.
Of the 22 alleged perpetrators, only two have been convicted and charged, with four workers having their employment terminated following internal disciplinary processes. Another four workers remain suspended while investigations continue, and eight employees resigned before internal investigations began. Three employees were cleared to return to work after being found not to have breached the state service code of conduct, while one has passed away.
Among the 42 government employees not accused of child sexual abuse offending, 24 current or former staff members are either being assessed for investigation or are under investigation. Only one of the 42 was found to have breached the code of conduct, but faced disciplinary action other than termination. Twelve employees resigned before investigations could be completed, and two are deceased, while three public servants faced no action once investigations concluded.
Premier Rockliff stated that the government is committed to implementing 44 of the 48 phase one recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry by the July deadline. However, due to the early state election held on March 23, the remaining four recommendations will be delayed. The premier assured that the delayed recommendations, which include funding for out-of-home care reforms and establishing a statutory commission for children and young people, will be completed by September.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff expressed concern over the lack of accountability for those involved in and covering up child sexual abuse following the inquiry. Independent upper house MP Meg Webb emphasized the importance of holding alleged perpetrators and abuse enablers accountable for the benefit of victim-survivors.
In response to the criticism, Mr. Rockliff has tasked the new Department of Premier and Cabinet chief executive Kathrine Morgan-Wicks to improve the timeliness of outcomes and transparency around reporting related to the Commission of Inquiry assessments. The premier reiterated that strong action has been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of Tasmanian children and young people.
Labour justice spokeswoman Rebecca White criticized Mr. Rockliff for prioritizing an early election over the welfare of children, calling it “shameful.” Dr. Woodruff called on the premier to correct the record regarding the impact of the early election on the government’s response to the Commission’s report.
In conclusion, the government is working towards meeting the recommendations set out by the Commission of Inquiry to address child sexual abuse in Tasmania. Despite delays caused by the early election, efforts are being made to ensure the safety and protection of children in the state..
“Public servants under internal investigation due to adverse findings of child sexual abuse inquiry”
“Tasmanian public servants under internal investigation due to adverse findings of child sexual abuse inquiry”.
