Media release – Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings, 17 December 2021
Commission of Inquiry: looking ahead to 2022
Hearings are a major component of the work of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings. The hearings will provide the Tasmanian community and those further afield the chance to hear directly from a vast range of witnesses, including academics, experts, state servants and people with direct knowledge and experience of the issues the Commission is examining, including victim-survivors, their families and their supporters.
As indicated at its opening hearing on 26 October 2021, the Commission planned to recommence its hearings in early 2022. After careful consideration, the Commission will recommence its hearings in May 2022. Hearings will be held in Hobart and Launceston.
This decision acknowledges advice from the Tasmanian Government on the potential impact of community transmission of COVID-19 in the state early next year.
President the Honourable Marcia Neave AO said the Commission’s ability to conduct public hearings safely must not be compromised.
“The decision to postpone the hearings is a difficult one for the Commissioners, but it is important that we conduct our hearings as safely as possible,” Commissioner Neave said. “We look forward to recommencing our hearings in May 2022.”
Due to the postponement of hearings, and other factors outside its control, the Commission will be unable to complete its work by its original reporting deadline of 31 August 2022. The Commission has sought an extension from the Tasmanian Government.
