Peter Gutwein,Premier
It was my Government that had the courage to go where no Government in Tasmania has gone before –establishing a far-reaching Commission of Inquiry to ensure the vulnerable in our community are protected, regardless of how difficult it will be.
The COI is working exactly as it should. People are coming forward because the process is there to support them to do so.
This issue should be above politics, and if Rebecca White has any questions about the processes around it, she should either go online to check the guidelines or pick up the phone, instead of using them for political gain in Parliament.
If she had, she would note the guidance clearly states that all State servants are able to voluntarily share information about their experiences with the Commission. In fact, Agencies are proactively ensuring all staff are aware of their ability to participate in the COI’s work, should they wish to.
If anyone has information about their experiences which they want to provide to the Commission, but is worried about providing it, they are able to directly contact the Commission to discuss their options.
Additionally, an Indemnity and Legal Assistance Panel has been established to consider indemnity or legal assistance for State Servants to ensure all State Service employees are able to apply to be indemnified, or provided with legal representation.
This will be decided on a case by case basis, dependent on whether the guidelines apply in the circumstance, and whether the employee has acted in good faith.
And to be clear, anyone giving information to the Commission of Inquiry is specifically protected from dismissal or reprisals under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1995.
We absolutely encourage people to come forward. That’s why we called the COI, to bring these matters to light and ensure they can never be repeated.
There is no more important task for any Government than to ensure the safety and well-being of our children and as I’ve said before, while I cannot change the past, I am committed to my Government making a difference for the future.
