Call for release of child sex abuse at Launceston General Hospital review after James Griffins’ death

Tasmania Police has nearly completed its review of the investigation into abuse claims against a paedophile nurse – and there’s a push to make it public.

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TASMANIA Police and the state government say they are committed to making public a review of the handling of sexual abuse allegations against serial paedophile who worked at the Launceston General Hospital.

James Geoffrey Griffin, 69, of Legana, was charged with more than a dozen offences in October 2019 relating to crimes against children as young as 11.

He had worked in the Paediatric Unit at the LGH since 2001.

Tasmanian and Launceston General Hospital James (Jim) Geoffrey Griffin.

Griffin died soon after being charged after taking a dangerous cocktail of drugs.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Shelton announced a Tasmania Police review of its investigation on December 2 last year. Preliminary advice was expected by the new year.

A Tasmania Police spokeswoman said the inquiry was “expected to be completed in the coming week.”

“The intention is that findings will be made public subject to not prejudicing the work of the Commission of Inquiry or breaching victim privacy.”

The government has appointed Marcia Neave as President the upcoming Commission of Inquiry into the Responses of Tasmanian Government Institutions to Child Sexual Abuse, which is expected to begin within weeks.

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government wanted the report released.

“My understanding is that’s clearly our intention for the report to be released publicly, subject to the fact that it won’t prejudice the existing Commission of Inquiry,” he said.

“We recognise the importance of getting to every single detail when it comes to these matters, which is why we have set up the Commission of Inquiry in the first place to ensure the absolute safety and protection of children in our care.

“Transparency is absolutely essential to ensure that the Tasmanian community have confidence.”

Labor’s child safety spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said releasing the police review was vital.

“This report will play a critical role in the work of the Inquiry to ascertain how Griffin was able to allegedly commit offences when he was in a position of trust working with children at the LGH,” she said.

Labor health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell.

“Tasmania Police have indicated today that the investigation is expected to be completed and the report will be released imminently.

“That must be allowed to happen. It cannot be buried in a bottom drawer.”

Ms Lovell said there was already an unacceptable level of secrecy surrounding the 14 public sector workers who have been stood down over abuse claims.

14th state service worker stood down on sex abuse allegations

Jack Evans

Friday, February 19, 2021

A FOURTEENTH state service employee has been stood down pending an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse.

Of the 14 state service employees stood down in recent months, 10 relate to historical allegations while a four relate to contemporary allegations.

Authorities would not reveal where the most recent alleged sex abuser worked or in what capacity, but confirmed they were from the north of the state.

“The allegation has been referred to Tasmania Police for assessment,” a government statement read.

“Principles of natural justice and other legal considerations demand that further comment is not made while the investigation is underway.

“We also need to make sure that we fulfil our duty of care to our employees and do not prejudice investigations.

The statement emphases that being stood down is not an indication of wrongdoing. “The presumption of innocence until proven guilty must be upheld,” the statement read.

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