The Rockliff Liberal Government acknowledges that we all share a responsibility to deliver the changes necessary to safeguard our children and young people, for now and for generations to come, and we approach this task with commitment and compassion.
The Commission of Inquiry made findings against several individuals who were granted legal assistance under ED16 in its final report. Concerns have been raised recently about legal assistance being provided by the Government to current and former state servants who are the subject of findings made by the Commission of Inquiry. 26 individuals were granted legal assistance during the Commission.
In response to these concerns, this Government is progressing an Independent Review of whether there are appropriate grounds to require any Public Officers, who received a grant of legal assistance in the course of the Commission, to reimburse the Crown for reasonable costs and expenses.
Attorney General Guy Barnett said that an independent reviewer, external to the Tasmanian Government who possesses the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience, had been engaged to undertake this review.
“Mr Sam Tatarka, OAM, from Victoria, will be undertaking this important work and the Tasmanian Government will provide all assistance and information as required by Mr Tatarka to enable him to complete the independent review.”
The review will inquire into, report on and make recommendations in relation to the following matters:
- Whether any of the Public Officers who received a grant of legal assistance (where such legal assistance was to be provided independently of the State) in the course of the Commission did not at a relevant time act in good faith, or comply with the ED16 policy framework;
- Whether it is reasonable for the Crown to seek a reimbursement of legal costs from any of the Public Officers identified above; and
- Any associated relevant matters.
A final report is to be submitted to the Attorney-General, on behalf of Government, at the conclusion of the review. The outcomes of the review and the recommendations will be made public, as permitted by law.
