Commission of Inquiry (04 Dec 2020)

Dear Colleagues,

As you are aware, on 23 November 2020 the Premier announced his intention to recommend to Her Excellency, the Governor that she establish a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1995, to investigate the responses of Tasmanian Government Agencies in relation to the management of historical allegations of child sexual abuse.

The work to establish a Commission of Inquiry has started and it is expected that it will commence its work in early 2021, and is likely to take approximately twelve months to complete.  The department of Justice is leading the work to develop the Terms of Reference.

Whilst the work to establish the Commission of Inquiry is underway, yesterday the Government launched a portal to enable early information to be gathered and provided to the Commission of Inquiry.  Submissions can be made now and more information is also provided through the portal.  Please refer to the new ‘Commission of Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse’ website for further information.

Mandatory reporting

It is timely to remind you that as State Servants we have a duty to report any concerns we may have about the safety of children.

The duty for State Servants to report risks to children is established by law.  Many State Servants are ‘mandatory reporters’ under, for example, the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act 1997.   Mandatory reporters are legally obliged to report child abuse or neglect. They include medical practitioners, nurses, dentists, police officers, psychologists, probation officers, child welfare officers, school principals, ministers of religion, teachers, kindergarten teachers, people who manage child care services and people employed by or volunteering in government agencies or organisations funded by the Crown that provide health, welfare, education or care for children.

Even if you are not a mandatory reporter, circumstances may arise in which you may be obliged to report known or suspected child abuse, or that a child is at risk of abuse. It is my expectation and, I believe, the expectation of the community, that as Tasmanian Government employees we should take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the well-being of children and that State Servants will always report any risks to children. Depending on the circumstances, a failure to report may result in a breach of law, including the commission of an offence, or breach of the State Service Code of Conduct.

I would like to assure all State Servants that you have my full support, as well as that of all Heads of Agencies, in reporting any concerns you may have about the safety of children.

If you believe, suspect or know that a child has been or is being abused or neglected you must contact the Advice and Referral Line (1800 000 1230) as soon as possible.

Many Departments have specific policies providing guidance on how you can report risks to children; if you are not sure about your reporting obligations, I urge you to speak to your manager or supervisor. You can also find information here.

Support

I recognise this will be a difficult and challenging time as we embark, as a State, on the Commission of Inquiry process.  I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the support that is available through your Agency’s Employee Assistance Program, as well as the following services and support groups referenced on the ‘make a submission’ page on the Commission of inquiry website.

For immediate support

24-hour telephone assistance is available though:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
• 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• MensLine Australia 1300 789 978

For advice