Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in State Schools

Today, the Minister for Education announced an independent inquiry into education responses to child sexual abuse.

The Inquiry is to ensure that the legislation, policies, practices and procedures (‘systems’) utilised by the Department of Education operate in a way that  minimises the risk of child sexual abuse within Tasmanian Government Schools.

The Inquiry will take into account the reforms already undertaken within the Department and the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse already agreed to by the Tasmanian Government.

We want to ensure we do everything we can to make sure that children and young people in our schools are safe.

The Attorney General has been delegated authority to appoint a suitably qualified person to conduct the inquiry. The appointment process will be overseen by the Department of Justice, and will ensure that decisions regarding the reviewer will be kept at arms-length from the Minister for Education and the Department of Education.

A Report will be publicly released at the end of the process,  the terms of reference is also publicly available here.

Media release – Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader and Education spokesperson, 27 August 2020

Greens Welcome Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in State Schools

The Greens welcome the Deputy Premier and Education Minister’s announcement of an independent inquiry into child sexual abuse in state schools. This will provide some comfort to survivors.

The Department was complicit in a terrible wrong and although these crimes are historical, reparation was needed. Many survivors and their families have received no justice or closure.

We commend Minister Rockliff for committing to an open and honest independent investigation, that we trust will provide clarity, confidence and comfort to survivors.

Tasmania’s Department of Education has never fully explained its historical wrongs that left vulnerable children prey to paedophile teachers who were moved from school to school. We hope this investigation, in conjunction with the Royal Commission, will do that – and assist in the healing process for survivors.

The Greens proposed an independent investigation as the first step in May this year, and we thank Mr Rockliff for engaging with us in the path forward. It’s clear the Deputy Premier recognised the gravity of the situation, and the pain of those who suffered abuse at the hands of people with whom they should have been safe.

Media release – Josh Willie MLC, Shadow Minister for Education, 27 August 2020

Independent inquiry into education system sexual abuse response welcomed

Labor welcomes the announcement of an independent inquiry into the education department’s response on child sexual abuse.

Shadow Minister for Education Josh Willie said while the past cannot be undone, it is important to ensure current reforms offer appropriate protections and safeguards against abuse.

“It is tragic that child sexual abuse has happened across the state’s education system in the past and it is important every effort is made to ensure it does not occur again in the future.

“This issue is beyond politics and we welcome any move by the government to investigate the past, provide closure if possible, and ensure adequate protections are in place.

“It is important this inquiry is undertaken to ensure recommendations from the Royal Commission are effecting and to ensure any further action needed is taken as an immediate priority for the government.

“There is no more important job than keeping children and young people safe.”