Two years on from the tabling of the Commission of Inquiry report into child sexual abuse, both the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS) and the Greens are criticising the government for slow progress, urging a full and rapid implementation of key reforms.
They warn that fundamental safety issues remain, citing an inspector’s report on “alarming safety risks” for children in adult watch-houses and demanding an immediate end to punitive “tough on youth crime laws” in favour of evidence-based, trauma-informed and preventative community programs like those already demonstrating success across the state.
Media release – Tasmanian Council of Social Service, 26 September 2025
Two years on from the Commission of Inquiry, progress made but hurdles remain
As Tasmania marks two years since the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse handed down its final report, TasCOSS are urging the Tasmanian Government to stay the course and deliver on key reforms.
TasCOSS CEO, Ms Adrienne Picone, said Tasmania has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in implementing innovative, evidence-based community programs that prevent harm and support positive outcomes for children.
“It is vital we harness the momentum for change and ensure the Government delivers on the Youth Justice Blueprint and maintains focus on implementing the Commission’s recommendations, as intended, to prevent child sexual abuse from occurring and ensure the safety and rights of children and young people are upheld,” Picone said.
“While progress has been made against a number of the Commission’s recommendations over the past two years, including this week’s tabled legislation to progress the establishment of a Commission for Children and Young People, serious concerns remain unaddressed.
“The recent report from the Office of the Custodial Inspector revealed alarming safety risks for children held in adult watch-houses, including threats of abuse and inappropriate searches.
“The evidence is clear – punitive responses do not prevent harm and these practices must end.
“What does work, according to both international evidence and local practice wisdom, are evidence-based, trauma-informed initiatives that strengthen protective factors, reduce risk and empower children and families.
“This includes access to affordable housing, health and wellbeing services and coordinated community supports that can intervene early when warning signs appear.
“In Tasmania, we are lucky to have many examples of this approach — programs like the Glenorchy City Council’s HAPPY program, which provides mentoring support for students at risk of disengaging from education and the Tasmanian Bike Collective, a grassroots initiative that uses bicycle restoration and riding to engage, mentor and empower at-risk young people are achieving strong outcomes for at-risk young people.
“Two years on, now is the time for bold action to ensure every child is safe, every story is heard and every institution is held to account.”
Media release – Cecily Rosol MHA, Greens Children and Young People Spokesperson, 26 September 2025
Protection Needed for Tasmania’s Children
It’s been two years since Commission of Inquiry handed down its findings. The Greens echo TasCOSS’ calls for the Liberals to ensure the safety of Tasmanian children.
The Commission of Inquiry’s findings that the rights of children and young people had been violated in government institutions were deeply disturbing.
The Liberal Government should be acting to implement the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, including closing Ashley Youth Detention Centre and replacing it with a therapeutic justice model, as soon as possible.
The Liberals must guarantee appropriate funding levels for the Child Safety Reform Implementation Monitor and ensure good faith dealings across government departments with that office.
More funding is needed for Child Safety Services, including Out of Home Care and the Advice and Referral Line.
Since the Commission of Inquiry, further disturbing treatment of young people in adult correction facilities has been exposed. The Liberal Government must commit to removing children from adult correction facilities immediately.
The Liberals must scrap their tough on youth crime laws, which are in direct contradiction to the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry to protect the human rights of children.
Punitive measures won’t solve the issues facing our young people. We need evidence-based, trauma-informed and preventative measures.
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