The tabling of the Commission of Inquiry’s final report is a dark day in the state’s history but the government is steadfastly committed to ensuring a better future for Tasmania’s children, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has told parliament.
Shortly after tabling the report in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Mr Rockliff repeated his apology to those who had suffered sexual abuse while in state care or state institutions.
He thanked those who gave evidence and reaffirmed government’s promise to implement every one of the Commission’s 191 recommendations.
“Victim-survivors have been abused by the very people who were supposed to care for them, and they were failed by the system that is meant to protect them,” he said.
“It is time for change; time to reflect on some of the most painful moments in our state’s history; and time to build a culture in our institutions that will ensure it is not repeated.”
During his address, which was watched by victim-survivors in a packed public gallery, Mr Rockliff announced that Pontville, in the state’s South, was the preferred site for the state’s new youth detention centre.
“We acknowledge the Commission’s call to close the Ashley Youth Detention Centre as soon as possible,” he said.
“We all want the same thing. If there was any capacity to close it now, we would. I would not hesitate.”
Mr Rockliff said the government had not redacted any part of the report.
“Today I confirm the only omissions made to the Commission’s Final Report are those requested by the Commission,” he said.
And the Premier said the government was “steadfast in our commitment to keep Tasmanian children and young people safe”.
“We are deeply aware of the significant responsibility we have to the Tasmanian community and to those who have experienced trauma and abuse, who are seeking justice, healing and lasting change that will prevent the recurrence of such profoundly distressing events,” he told parliament.
"Responding to the recommendations of the Commission will require widespread and fundamental change across Tasmanian Government agencies and systems.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure our children and young people are safe and protected now and into the future.”
Labor leader Rebecca White said the tabling was a “watershed moment" for the state.
“It is hard to imagine a greater betrayal than entrusting your child to a hospital or school where care and protection should be the highest priority only to have your child preyed upon by a monster, their innocence stolen, their trust and the trust of their families betrayed their childhoods lost to a lifetime of trauma, hurt, anger and pain," she said.
"And all of this has been made so much worse because in some cases the people who could have protected them should have protected them instead chose to look the other way."
She pledged Labor would support the government to enact the recommendations in the report.
“That is the very least our children and young people can expect – and we fully support the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations and will work with the government to achieve their full implementation,” she said.
“Our children are our future – and it is up to us to protect them and keep them safe… and ensure this never happens again.”
