More than 100 referred to authorities over child abuse: commission of inquiry

A 29-month investigation by Tasmania’s commission of inquiry into state agency responses to child abuse have referred its findings to police and child protection authorities.

Commissioners Leah Bromfield, Marcia Neave and Robert Benjamin at the Tasmanian commission of inquiry into government responses to child abuse on August 30, 2023.

More than 100 people have been referred to police and child protection authorities by Tasmania’s commission of inquiry into state agency responses to child abuse.

Wrapping up a 29-month investigation, the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government‘s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse called for the “urgent” closure of the state’s Ashley Youth Detention Centre.

Its 8-volume report, with 75 findings and 191 recommendations, will be presented to the governor and government on Thursday and tabled in parliament in late September.

“We have recommended changes that, if they are implemented, will go a long way towards preventing child sexual abuse in institutional contexts,” commission president Marcia Neave said in the inquiry’s last hearings.

“Our recommendations also aim to ensure that if abuse does occur, there will be an effective and speedy response and that victim-survivors … will be able to seek access to justice and receive the support they need and deserve.

“Preventing and effectively responding to child sexual abuse will require changes to laws and policies, and also to social and institutional cultures, and individual beliefs, attitudes and practices. If the necessary changes are not made, children will continue to be subjected to child sexual abuse in these institutions.”

While the findings remain under wraps, commissioner Neave urged the Rockliff Liberal government not to censor the report when it is released and to release it soon.

“Except for omitting the parts of the report which affect a person’s right to a fair trial, the commissioners hope and expect that the rest of the report will be published in full as soon as possible,” she said.

“Many of those who have shared their experiences with the commission, particularly victim-survivors of institutional abuse and their families, but many others as well, are anxious to know about our findings and recommendations.

“We are conscious that this has been a long inquiry and further delay in publishing our report could add to the trauma and grief of victim–survivors.”

The government committed to tabling the report in parliament on September 26, with a response. Premier Jeremy Rockliff promised to implement all 191 recommendations and to close Ashely, in line with a shift to more “therapeutic” approach to youth justice, “as soon as possible”.