Commission of Inquiry - preparations for Report release (22 Sep 2023)

Dear colleagues,

Next week, on Tuesday, 26 September 2023 at 11:30am, the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in institutional settings will be tabled in Parliament.

The release of the Report will be difficult for many across the Tasmanian community and within the State Service.  With the latest statistics from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study indicating almost 1 in 4 Australians have experienced child sexual abuse, the content of the report will evoke strong emotions. As Head of the State Service, I extend my thoughts to victim-survivors, their families and supporters during this time. Also, I would like to remind all State Servants impacted by the Report that you are not alone, and that a range of supports are available to help us all during this time.

Our colleague, Professor Brett McDermott, the Statewide Director of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), has extensive experience working with trauma, and has provided some advice, about the importance of looking after yourself and some of the ways to do this, in a new webinar you can find here.

I encourage you to watch the webinar and think about ways you can be kind to yourself in the weeks and months ahead.

Although the Commission has concluded, Agency support networks remain in place and can continue to be accessed for support. You can also access your agency Employee Assistance Programs.

In addition, a range of external support services are also available here.

The tabling of the Report at Parliament House is open to all.  If you are interested in attending in person, you can find more information on the Keeping Children Safe website. The tabling will also be livestreamed on the Parliament House website.

Once tabled, the Report will be considered to be publicly released and will be made available on the Commission’s website. Details on alternate methods for accessing the report are also outlined on this site. Please note that report’s content will be distressing for many, and I ask that you please exercise discretion in reading it, and please seek support and care if required.

The Government has committed to accept the Commission’s recommendations that are outlined in the Report.  In the months ahead, the recommendations will be carefully reviewed, and a detailed response will be announced in December 2023.

If you have any questions about the release of the Commission of Inquiry Report, next week you can call 1800 093 758 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

You can also email questions to keepingchildrensafe@dpac.tas.gov.au

Best wishes

Jenny Gale
Head of the State Service
Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet
22 Sep 2023