Former Taskforce Argos boss Jon Rouse appointed interim Victims’ Commissioner

A highly respected retired police officer, who was instrumental in dismantling one of the world’s most sophisticated pedophile rings, will be Queensland’s interim victims’ commissioner.

A highly respected retired police officer who was instrumental in dismantling one of the world’s most sophisticated pedophile rings has been appointed Queensland’s interim victims’ commissioner.

Former Taskforce Argos boss Jon Rouse will start in the role immediately, tasked with ensuring the voices of victims are heard and they receive the support they need as they navigate the criminal justice process.

The state government plans to appoint a permanent victims commissioner by the end of June 2024 as laws need to be passed in order to formally set up the Victims’ Commissioner as an independent body.

Former detective Jon Rouse will be Qld’s interim victims’ commissioner. Picture Gary Ramage

The commissioner was a key recommendation of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce Hear Her Voice report, which called for the body to “promote and protect the needs of victims of all violent offences”.

Mr Rouse said it was “quite clear from what we’re hearing” that greater support is needed around guiding people through the criminal justice system so they can understand what options and supports are available to them.

“It’s very clear for me that my role … will be to really find out what the gaps are,” he said.

“To make sure that people are getting service delivery that we should be providing across the plethora of services that exist for victims, whether it be law enforcement or in many other components of the government in trying to support them.”

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said victims would be able to reach out to the commissioner through a website soon to be set up that will also be a one-stop shop to help direct people to services available to them.

Jon Rouse was formerly the head of the ARGOS Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group. Pic Mark Cranitch.

Cooper MP Jonty Bush, a long-time advocate of victims of crime, said crime had a devastating immediate and long-term impact people and their families but that can be reduced with good support.

“I think what’s become clear through a number of reports is that some of those services some of the time not meeting victims expectations,” she said.

Mr Rouse said it was also “quite clear” from public outcry that there were “challenges” in Queensland right now when it comes to crime.

He saved his most strident criticism for social media companies for allowing people to be “re-victimised” by crime through lax regulation against content like videos of the offence being committed.

“In my personal view, they lack social conscience,” Mr Rouse said.

“They are only about profit.

“And since I’ve got freer voice after leaving law enforcement I’ve been advocating (for better content regulation)”