Labor has called for a full and independent investigation into the potential interference by the government in the development of the Inspection of Youth Custodial Services in Tasmania, 2018 by the Custodial Inspector.
Shadow Attorney General Ella Haddad said Custodial Inspector Richard Connock’s explosive statement this afternoon raises serious questions for the Hodgman Government that must be urgently investigated.
“Roger Jaensch claimed yesterday that the changes were made before the report finally made its way to his desk but he has failed to answer questions about whether he or his office were involved in its redaction,” Ms Haddad said.
“The Minister boasted about the Custodial Inspector’s role as an independent statutory officer but it is clear someone pressured him to substantially redact the document.
“The beneficiary of the redaction was supposed to be the person in charge – Roger Jaensch – until the errors with the blacked out text were discovered.
“This very serious matter must be investigated urgently, including the role of Roger Jaensch and his office.
“Tasmanians have a right to know.”
* Roger Jaesnch, Question Time 30 October 2019: “I am advised that the redactions in the report were made by the Custodial Inspector in consultation with the Department of Communities Tasmania.”
Ella Haddad MP – Shadow Attorney General
