Media release – Jack Davenport, 22nd Febuary 2024

Child protection campaigner enters election fray as independent candidate for Bass

Child protection campaigner Jack Davenport has announced that he will stand for election in Bass as an independent candidate, based on a platform of child protection reform, integrity and accountability, and promoting community engagement to deliver change.

An established and vocal advocate for child protection reform, and a whistleblower to the Commission of Inquiry, Jack will pledge that if elected he will use any balance of power position to deny confidence and supply to any new government that refuses to initiate the early closure of Ashley Youth Detention Centre.

Comments attributable to Jack:

“Tasmania is facing a child protection crisis; children held in Ashley Children’s Prison are exposed to high risk of abuse, while systems designed to keep vulnerable children safe have deteriorated beyond recognition. The message to major parties is clear; close Ashley; close it now.

“The most vulnerable in this state should be able to rely on the protection of the government and instead are being left exposed to harm, while state institutions and agencies circle wagons around enablers of abuse in senior positions.

“The Commission of Inquiry exposed not just the scale of the abuse, but also the failure of integrity and accountability. We need a government that will work for the people, but too often we see public good set aside for its own interests.

“Eighty-one state servants have been suspended due to allegations of child sexual abuse; not one has been terminated.

“We live in a state where a senior police officer was being investigated for child sexual abuse but still received a state funeral.

“The laws have been exposed to be deficient, and allow both public servants and the government itself to escape accountability.

“No more of this.

“I have always argued that for meaningful reform to occur there needs to be a parallel process through parliament and community. Being an independent candidate strengthens my ability to fight for improved democracy in the state, and to demand transparency from all sides of politics. People are sick of the dodgy deals and hidden agreements in politics. The message for parliament and government is clear; no more secrets.

“I am calling on the people of Bass to make the change this election; vote for me to deliver an independent voice in parliament, one that will strive to deliver integrity in Tasmanian politics, and hold the Tasmanian government and state agencies accountable for their failures to protect children.”

Jack Davenport has received an endorsement from Launceston-local Tiffany Skeggs; a victim-survivor, whistleblower to the Commission of Inquiry, and National Survivors’ Day Ambassador.

Comments attributable to Tiffany Skeggs:

“I have full confidence Jack will provide a truly independent voice of integrity to Parliament ensuring the wellbeing of our state’s most vulnerable remains the highest of priorities.

“Jack’s involvement with the Commission of Inquiry and his tireless efforts to advocate for improvements to child safety at the highest levels is a testament to his good character. His clear calls for transparency and accountability further demonstrate he is not afraid to ‘rock the boat’ when required to ensure Tasmanians are provided with the truth.

“Jack has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of complex policies and procedures that only serve to improve his ability to question and genuinely critique any actions of Parliament.

“I know Jack will ensure the early closure of Ashley Youth Detention Centre is a condition of any confidence and supply he offers any government.

“The current Parliament lacks integrity where it matters most and that’s exactly what Jack will bring to the table.

“I felt an immense relief when Jack told me he was stepping up as an independent candidate! Jack has remained a true & vocal supporter for our state’s most vulnerable ensuring that every voice is heard.

“Mostly importantly, politics aside, Jack’s moral fortitude, integrity, passion and drive is without question, and he is motivated by ensuring a safer tomorrow for Tasmania’s most vulnerable citizens. This is why I’m calling on Bass voters to make the change for integrity and child safety this election, by voting number one for Jack Davenport, independent candidate.”

About Jack Davenport

  • made a submission to the Commission of Inquiry in 2021, appearing in person in 2022 to give evidence. His submission is available on the Commission of Inquiry website here, The transcript of his evidence in person is available here.
  • a qualified social worker, with over ten years of experience in child protection. He has worked in the UK, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.
  • Lives with his wife Nancy (also a social worker) and their two-year-old daughter Athena in the Tamar Valley (Blackwall). Jack and Nancy moved to Tasmania in 2017; Athena was born in Launceston.
  • As an independent candidate, Jack will declare all donations over $1000 for this election. Exception will be given for victim-survivors and whistleblowers who are concerned about being publicly identified; in these cases, Jack will declare the donation amount, but not the name. None of this will change legal requirements.
  • In addition to child protection and integrity in government, Jack also highlights housing rights, environmental issues and healthcare as primary areas of focus.
  • a Tasmanian Greens member from 2018-2024. Jack will resign from the party before announcing his candidacy.
  • a candidate for the Tasmanian Greens in the 2020 Rosevears Legislative Council Election, and the 2021 State Election. Jack sought nomination for lead candidate for the Tasmanian Greens in Bass earlier this year, but was not selected.
  • State Convenor of the Tasmanian Greens from late 2021 to June 2022. He resigned as State Convenor on 14th June 2022.
  • employed as a Policy and Parliamentary Advisor for Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson since 2021, but expects to vacate this role before the election.

About Tiffany Skeggs

  • a victim survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse, an advocate for reform, and a strong voice for support and life opportunities to aid in recovery.
  • sexually abused by a now notorious paedophile. She first disclosed and reported her abuse to Tasmania Police in early 2019. Tiffany’s report was pivotal in the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.
  • Since her disclosure, Tiffany has worked tirelessly to expose cover-up and corruption at the highest levels of Government and, indeed, expose the power imbalance and culture of silence that exists across communities.
  • A National Survivors’ Day Ambassador
  • Tiffany pays tribute to and respects the voices and experiences of every person impacted and affected by CSA.
  • Tiffany’s hope is to aid in creating a safer Australia for our children and a culture that is accepting, believing and supportive of traumatic and sensitive disclosures. Tiffany is fortunate to have engaged with numerous stakeholders in this space and remains passionate about advocating for and implementing systemic change in her home state of Tasmania.