• Mark Morrissey a strong and fiercely independent advocate
• Timing of resignation arouses suspicions
• Premier must remove the embattled Human Services Minister
Shadow Minister for Child Safety Josh Willie has thanked Children’s Commissioner Mark Morrissey for his commitment to looking after the interests of Tasmania’s children and young people.
“Mr Morrissey has been a strong and fiercely independent advocate for children and young people who has always acted with absolute integrity,” Mr Willie said.
“I thank him for his professional and passionate approach to the role and his hard work to improve outcomes for the state’s young people.”
The shock resignation directly follows allegations the Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma’s office attempted to interfere with the role of the Children’s Commissioner.
“The shock resignation deepens the crisis surrounding the embattled Human Services Minister,” Mr Willie said.
“The Government has been accused of putting politics ahead of child protection, now the independent voice in the sector has resigned.
“The timing of this resignation is highly suspicious.
“Tasmania has lost a fierce advocate for children at the same time the Premier will not do the right thing and remove a dishonest and incompetent Human Services Minister.”
Josh Willie MLC Shadow Minister for Child Safety
