MLC Meg Webb is pushing for an inquiry into outcomes of abuse Commission of Inquiry

Only an external and independent inquiry can clear up the “significant unresolved matters on misconduct findings” from the Commission of Inquiry, an independent MP says.

Nelson MLC Meg Webb speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Thursday, September 15, 2022.

Only an external and independent inquiry can clear up the “significant unresolved matters on misconduct findings” from the Commission of Inquiry, an independent MP says.

Independent Legislative Council member for Nelson Meg Webb on Tuesday tabled a motion calling for parliament to back a such review.

Ms Webb last week revealed the names of 22 individuals and eight institutions who provided Procedural Fairness Responses to the Commission.

That move was denounced by the government as “inaccurate” and “wrong”.

Ms Webb’s motion calls a review to consider all interactions between the Tasmanian government and the Commission of Inquiry about legislative impediments to its work.

It also seeks an examination of the issuing of the 30 section 18 [misconduct] notices to 22 people, and the reasons why those processes were not finalised in the Commission’s final report.

“A fresh pair of eyes is needed to provide a clear and credible assessment of why the

Commission was unable to complete this critical aspect of its job,” Ms Webb said.

Public Forum: Industrial Salmon in Tasmania, Meg Webb MLC. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I’ve tabled a motion in the Upper House so the parliament can consider and support the

establishment of an independent review to deliver accountability and transparency, and to

resolve the serious questions surrounding the Commission’s incomplete processes on

potential misconduct findings and possible government impediments.

“There are clear calls for a suitably qualified external and independent reviewer to assess

the outstanding matters raised by the Commission’s Report, including the extent the state’s

‘interpretation’ of section 18 of the Act made it ‘impossible’ for the Commission to make the

findings it may otherwise have done, and the unresolved matter of the 30 section 18 notices

sent to 22 individuals.”

Ms Webb said the Premier had only announced an internal government review by Heads of Agency to consider possible state service code of conduct matters for those who may have received a section 18 notice.

“So-called ‘iron-clad guarantees’ are meaningless if those affected do not trust those making

these hollow promises – why would the Premier refuse an independent process to ensure

maximum accountability?” Ms Webb said.

On Friday, Mr Rockliff said he was determined to deliver the recommendations of the commission of inquiry – and to ensure that those guilty of misconduct faced appropriate sanction.

“Anyone that has harmed children will be held accountable. Anyone that has done the wrong thing will be held accountable,” he said.

“I give that iron-clad guarantee to every victim-survivor in Tasmania, who have been traumatised horrifically and will live with that for the rest of their lives.”

The motion is expected to be debated next week.