‘Vital that we get this right’: Extension announced into child sexual abuse inquiry final report

The child sexual abuse commission of inquiry has announced it will deliver its final report to Tasmania’s Governor a few months behind deadline.

Following last year’s harrowing deep dive into child sexual abuse within Tasmanian government institutions, the commission of inquiry has announced it will deliver its final report a few months behind deadline.

Last year, the inquiry heard evidence from 165 witnesses over eight weeks of public hearings in Hobart and Launceston.

These included numerous accounts from people who were sexually abused as children within government-run institutions – as well as the people responsible for their safety.

On Tuesday, the commission announced that because of the complexity of information the inquiry had canvassed, it could no longer meet its final reporting date of May 1.

Instead, it will now deliver its final report and recommendations to the Governor of Tasmania by August 31.

Commission president Marcia Neave said in a statement the extension was necessary in order to “appropriately and thoroughly” address all the issues raised, and for the commission to discharge its procedural fairness obligations under legislation.

“The commission is committed to delivering a report which supports an opportunity for real change and reform,” she said.

“We must ensure our final report and its recommendations are thorough and do all we can to contribute to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in Tasmania.”

The Honourable Robert Benjamin AM SC, the Honourable Marcia Neave AO (Commission President) and Professor Leah Bromfield at last year’s commission of inquiry hearings. Picture: Chris Kidd

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government had agreed to the extension – because it was “vital that we get this right” to ensure child protection, and so the failures that allowed children to be abused in state government institutions “can never occur again”.

“This is not a decision that has been taken lightly by the commission, and the government understands the impact it may have on victim survivors, employees, and the Tasmanian community,” Mr Rockliff said.

Attorney-General Elise Archer thanked everyone who had come forward to the commission of inquiry.

“Doing so was an act of enormous courage and selflessness that will help make our state a safer place for all children and young people,” she said.

Help is available

Lifeline (24 hours) 131 114

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Sexual Assault Support Service (24 hours) 1800 697 877

Laurel House Northern Tasmania [phone]

Laurel House North West Tasmania [phone]

Child Abuse Prevention Services 1800 688 009

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

MensLine Australia 1300 789 978

Follow @ambervwilson

Originally published as ‘Vital that we get this right’: Extension announced into child sexual abuse inquiry final report