The Tasmanian Government will not be distracted from the work that is being done to implement the 191 recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry to eliminate child sexual abuse in our institutions and hold perpetrators to account.
It is clear that the length of time some public service employee investigations are taking falls far short of mine, and the public’s expectations.
We must do better and do all we can – within the law – to ensure investigations are timely.
The community expects, as do I, that these investigations are resolved sooner.
To be clear, in matters of alleged child sexual abuse, employees are immediately removed from the workplace to ensure the investigation can proceed as quickly as practicable and to keep children and young people safe.
Cases can be extremely complex and sensitive, and Agencies must work in accordance with the law, established by precedent and legislation, to ensure the process is not opened up to legal challenge.
The Government is required by law to pause an investigation when a Police investigation is underway or the matter moves to criminal prosecution.
Where a civil case progresses for the same allegation, this may cause further delays to the ED5 whilst the civil claim is progressing.
I have urgently tasked the Head of the State Service to work with Secretaries to provide me with assurances that all available legal and workplace remedies to resolve outstanding matters are being taken as quickly as is possible, mindful that some may involve legal complexities that may be preventing such outcomes.
The Commission of Inquiry made recommendations around employment directions, all of which the Government has accepted.
Work is already underway on streamlining code of conduct investigations, and improving timeliness and expectations.
Culture starts at the top, and I have given my absolute commitment to leaving no stone unturned to ensure those who have harmed our children are held to account.
