Government commissions probe into Commission of Inquiry

Two independent reviews will examine the conduct of state servants caught up in the recent Commission of Inquiry, the state government announced on Tuesday.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Final sitting week of parliament for 2023. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Two independent reviews will examine the conduct of state servants caught up in the recent Commission of Inquiry, the state government announced on Tuesday.

There have been calls for further investigations after the Commission’s final report suggested some may have dodged accountability because of legal loopholes.

On National Survivors Day on Tuesday, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said his government was “leaving no stone unturned when it comes to keeping Tasmania’s children and young people safe”.

“I want to assure Tasmanians we are working tirelessly to make sure children are safe and the past is not repeated,” he said.

The first review will be headed by Australian Public Service Commissioner Peter Woolcott to consider “the actions, and effectiveness of those actions, by government agencies and other relevant authorities taken in response to concerns raised about state service employees and officers by the Commission.

A second, to be led by former Tasmanian Auditor General Mike Blake, will consider the actions and effectiveness of action taken by the heads of government agencies.

“I have said before that I have every confidence in our Heads of Agency and it is important that the public does too,” Mr Rockliff said.

“That’s why the decisions by Heads of Agency will be reviewed against the Tasmanian State Service Code of Conduct to determine if there were any breaches, and recommendations can be made where necessary.

Mr Rockliff said both reviewers had been to engage with the former Commissioners about any concerns they may still have.

Independent MLC Meg Webb has raised concerns about outcomes of the Commission of Inquiry’s final report in state parliament and moved a motion calling for an independent inquiry.

Meg Webb Independent member for Nelson. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The Premier’s announced terms of reference for two independent inquiries are a vindication of the concerns raised by the community and myself over the last few weeks, as well as belated recognition for the need for real independent of government examination of the Commission of Inquiry’s concerns,” she said.

“Previously I had asked why wouldn’t we hold an independent and external review into these serious outstanding matters, and clearly the government has run out of excuses.

“I have been calling consistently for an external person who has not been employed by the State government to be appointed as an independent reviewer of matters raised by the Commission, so I welcome the appointment of Australian Public Service Commissioner Peter Woolcott AO.

“However, questions remain over whether both the reviewers will report direct to the parliament or not.”

The Blake report into heads of agency will deliver its findings to the Premier by March 29. The Woolcott report will be delivered to government on a date to be fixed.