Alysha) is a Clinical Practice Consultant in the Tasmanian State Service at Ashley Youth Detention Centre and is taking her claim of unlawful conduct towards both the detainees and herself to the Supreme Court. Alysha’s legal action is against her employer, The State of Tasmania, and names numerous senior public servants including heads of Departments/agencies.

Alysha has been on medical leave from her job, which she loved, since it became extremely unsafe to remain on site. For this claim, Alysha is being represented by Josh Bornstein, head of national employment and industrial law practice at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.

Like most individuals with young families, Alysha doesn’t have the financial means to participate in a legal process alone. She too  has a young family who have been through a lot as a direct result.

This battle cannot be fought by one person alone so we are putting the call out to you – the people who are directly affected as a result of the criminal conduct Alysha is alleging, for help.

Many of you will know Alysha for her tireless public advocacy regarding child sexual abuse and children in detention, which has included her meeting with the former Tasmanian Premier, who announced the closure of Ashley Youth Detention Centre less than 24 hours later.

Ashley Youth Detention Centre has been the subject of damning inquiries and reports for decades with more than 55 employees having been identified as alleged child sex offenders. Alysha was recruited from interstate to address punitive practices at the archaic centre, but what she was confronted with was unimaginable horror. As a mandatory reporter, she reported as required.

Simultaneously, she is alleging she experienced significant bullying and sexual harassment, including a physical attack and threats to her life – all by other senior staffers. She has fought for the children at every level, but it has come at a horrific  cost. Whilst on medical leave, Alysha has voluntarily and under a subpoena, continued to provide evidence to the current Commission of Inquiry.

As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse herself, Alysha has spent her life fighting for the safety of children. Search ABC Behind the Facade to learn Alysha’s personal story of survival and what motivates her to continue to  fight to keep child detainees safe from sexual abuse in custody.

WHAT WILL ALYSHA ALLEGE?

We’re restricted in what we can publish on this fundraiser because we don’t want to fall foul of defamation laws and attract a lawsuit as we try to support Alysha. This case has not yet been heard by the court and there have not yet been findings against the Department of Communities or the State of Tasmania in this matter. We support a thorough and transparent court process where Department of Communities (a recently established department now being abolished) and the State of Tasmania can appropriately address and respond to these claims.

HOW WILL THE MONEY BE USED?

Most people know that the legal system in Australia makes it almost impossible for someone of ordinary means to launch legal action and have a case fairly heard. Unfortunately, taking a claim to the Supreme Court comes with a significant price tag. This is a problem in and of itself that we believe should be fixed in the long term. While the problem remains, however, we think we can all agree that a person should not bankrupt themselves to access the legal system and seek justice via the courts.

Alysha’s friends, family and I truly believe there are likely dozens if not hundreds of people who’d like to help Alysha take her claim to the Supreme Court. It is a case which at its heart is a matter for the public’s interest. This fundraiser will help with Alysha’s legal costs, including paying for her legal team at Maurice Blackburn, barrister fees and court costs. Alysha has been unable to work in her dream job as it is unsafe for her, and has already accrued over $60,000 in legal costs trying to have the matter resolved.

Standing by your convictions is no cheap exercise and Alysha is doing so simply because it is the right thing to do. The fundraiser will also help to provide basic support for Alysha as she goes through the legal process, assisting with general necessities and support with medical treatment and psychological support. She has received a diagnosis of PTSD attributed to her time at AYDC and the disclosures, abuse of children and chronic bullying she was exposed and subjected to.

Any money that’s raised in excess of Alysha’s legal fees and basic supports for the period of her legal proceedings will be donated to the Australian Childhood Foundation. Please consider making a contribution that you can comfortably spare, or sharing this fundraiser link on your social media pages if you’re not in a position to donate. Alysha, her family and her friends are so grateful for both of these ways to support her.

With hope and gratitude from Alysha’s friends and loved ones x.

Fundraiser by Tiffany Skeggs : Help Alysha fight for Child & Worker Safety (gofundme.com)