Critical questions about a lengthy gap between the revelation of horrific child sex allegations and the Liberal Government beginning a formal investigation cannot be swept under the carpet.
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said the Health Minister Sarah Courtney today failed to answer why the government did not act immediately once the allegations involving a former nurse at the Launceston General Hospital came to their attention a year ago.
Ms Lovell said Ms Courtney also did not answer crucial questions around what efforts the government had taken to identify potential victims at the centre of the allegations over the past year.
“Extremely serious, heartbreaking allegations have been made public about a former nurse at the Launceston General Hospital,” Ms Lovell said.
“The fact is these allegations have reached deep across the community and affected former patients and staff.
“The fact is Ms Courtney knew about these matters a year ago but did not act until last month to establish a formal inquiry.
“The fact is she cannot explain why action was not taken immediately.
“Additionally, she cannot say what lengths – if any – the government went to in trying to identify potential victims so that appropriate support can be provided. That is critical considering these allegation stretch back over two decades.
“It’s unacceptable. This is a deeply disturbing case which is being felt deeply in the community and involves truly abhorrent allegations.
“The Health Minister must at least make an effort to tell Tasmanians what the government has been doing about this matter for the past year and she has to provide adequate, legitimate answers to these vital questions.”
Sarah Lovell MLC
Shadow Health Minister
