Revealed: Number of Tasmanian public servants suspended over alleged child sexual abuse
Fronting a parliamentary inquiry, State Service boss Kathrine Morgan-Wicks revealed just how many public servants remain suspended over allegations of child sexual abuse.
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More than 40 Tasmanian public servants remain suspended from the workplace for alleged child sexual abuse and related conduct, with investigators continuing to receive fresh allegations every month, the head of the state’s service has revealed.
Giving evidence to a parliamentary committee overseeing the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations, Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said of the 14 state employees who had been sidelined for more than a year, three cases were nearing completion, but that another 10 individuals were facing additional complaints against them.
Ms Morgan-Wicks on Thursday said she was keen to address perceptions that investigations were “taking too long”, explaining that serious and often historical allegations required the utmost diligence and sensitivity.
“This is difficult work,” the Secretary of the Department of Premier told the Ruth Forrest-chaired committee.
“These matters are complex, involving legal rights, trauma histories, overlapping jurisdictions, and above all the need to put child safety first.
“We are also bound appropriately by rules of procedural fairness.
“The consequences of getting this wrong are too significant.
“These processes must be thorough, procedurally sound and trauma informed to deliver outcomes that protect children and withstand scrutiny.”
Ms Morgan-Wicks said that since October 2020, 111 Tasmanian state servants had been suspended due to allegations of child sexual abuse, 24 employees had either been terminated, resigned, or their contract expired; 41 remained suspended; while 42 workers had been investigated and returned to duty.
The combined effects of newly raised allegations, additional evidence being added to existing cases, and employees “testing investigation steps” in the Tasmania’s Industrial Commission, had extended the investigation time frame, the public service boss said.
“We are managing a significant peak in reporting of child sexual abuse brought on by the critical work of the Commission,
“I review each of the long suspensions with the [investigation] team, on a monthly basis, and will continue to do so to ensure that progress continues to be made and that the suspension should be maintained.
“A key focus coming out of the Commission of Inquiry has been to ensure that all relevant persons of interest have had their alleged conduct, whether historical or contemporary, examined, assessed and investigated by the relevant authority.”
Respected Tasmanian barrister Regina Weiss, who has been engaged by the government to oversee the implementation of the Shared Capability and Centralised Investigation Unit which is initially focused is on allegations relating to the Ashley Youth Detention Centre, told the committee the unit had already conducted almost 100 meetings with witnesses across the state.
Ms Weiss said the team currently had 13 signed and completed statements – with a further 19 in various stages of completion – relating to alleged conduct by employees at AYDC from 1994 to the present.
Some witnesses were currently detained at Risdon Prison, with investigators making 23 separate trips to the correctional facility over the last seven months, the barrister told the committee.
“Nine of those [statements] have been provided to Tasmania Police to date, with more to come as they’re completed,” Ms Weiss said.
“It really is a privileged position to have witnesses place their trust in us to share their lived experiences.
“The signed statements are being used in (investigation) processes, criminal processes, and processes relating to working with vulnerable persons approvals.
“The victim-survivors are being heard which is so incredibly important.
“Even in cases where the alleged perpetrators are deceased, we are listening.”
Meanwhile, Tasmania Police has renewed its call for public information into the investigation of former officer Dale Cook.
In February, police announced a probe into whether the ex-officer had used his position to commit child sexual abuse crimes, and identify any misconduct during his employment with the force.
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Rob Blackwood, said the specialist investigation team recognised the need to offer choice and confidentiality to anyone wanting to provide information.
“The investigation team sincerely thanks each person that has come forward to provide information,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Blackwood said.
“Every piece of information has been of value and will inform the outcomes of the investigation.
“There are several avenues of inquiry outstanding, and the investigation team continues to work with oversight from the Integrity Commission to identify other criminal offending or misconduct during Cook’s employment with Tasmania Police.
“The investigators would still like to hear from anyone with information.”
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