Commission of Inquiry (22 Mar 2021)

All Staff

Tasmanian State Service

Dear Colleagues

As you are aware, on 23 November 2020 the Premier announced a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the responses of Tasmanian Government Agencies in relation to the management of historical allegations of child sexual abuse.

Establishment of the Commission of Inquiry

Last week, Her Excellency Professor the Hon Kate Warner AC as Governor-in Council, signed the Order to formally establish the Commission of Inquiry.

That Order formally established the Hon Marcia Neave AO as President of the Commission, and appointed two other Commissioners to assist her with the Inquiry, namely Professor Leah Bromfield and former Family Court Justice the Hon Robert Benjamin AM.

The Commission of Inquiry will commence its work soon and you can keep up to date with the progress of the Inquiry by visiting the website: https://www.justice.tas.gov.au/inquiry.

Support for working with the Commission of Inquiry and keeping our children safe

I would like to take this opportunity to reassure 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, and that as State Servants we have a duty to report these concerns.

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.  As Tasmanian Government employees we should take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the well-being of children and as I said earlier in this letter, you have my full support to do so. This includes giving relevant information to the Commission of Inquiry.

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.

Support Available

The Department of Justice will lead the Government’s response to and support for the Commission.  It is anticipated that all Agencies will be involved in the work of the Commission although clearly the degree to which each Agency is involved will vary. What is important to remember though is that, in addition to the formal work Agencies will undertake to provide information and documentation to the Commission, as the largest employer in the State it is inevitable that members of our own workforce will be affected by the Inquiry.

I recognise this will be a difficult and challenging time for anyone who is affected by the Inquiry. We will ensure that appropriate supports are in place including for state servants who may be survivors, someone supporting a family member or close friend, someone who is involved in the work of the Commission or a manager providing assistance to members of their team.

Your Agency will provide specific information on how you can access support in your workplace, but I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you of the support that is available to you through the following services and groups:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1300 687 327
• Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) 1800 697 877
• Laurel House
  • Northern Tasmania (03) 6334 2740
  • North West Tasmania (03) 6431 9711​
• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732

If the Inquiry raises any issues for you, or you feel you would like to speak to someone, I encourage you to utilise these services, speak with your manager or your agency’s Human Resources team who will provide assistance.

I look forward to working with the Commission as it commences its important inquiries.

Yours sincerely