Police Commissioner Donna Adams apologises for revealing Ashley Detention Centre whistleblower’s full identity

A Commission of Inquiry whistleblower says having her surname revealed by the Police Commissioner during a parliamentary committee hearing has made her family less safe.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams mistakenly gave the full name of a whistleblower during a parliamentary committee hearing. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A Commission of Inquiry whistleblower says having her surname revealed by the Police Commissioner during a parliamentary committee hearing has made her family less safe.

Commissioner Donna Adams has apologised after revealing the surname of former Ashley Youth Detention Centre staffer Alysha during public hearings on Monday.

Alysha’s evidence to the Commission of Inquiry was subject to an order that she not be identified other than by first name.

Shortly after Commissioner Adam’s evidence, the committee issued an advisory to the media.

“On behalf of the Joint Sessional Committee into the Recommendations of the Final Report of the Commission of Inquiry, I write to notify you that reference was made in this morning’s public hearing with the Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management to an individual,” it said.

“Please be aware that this individual’s surname is not to be reported publicly.”

Alysha, who was watching the Committee hearings, said she was taken by surprise.

“The Commission of Inquiry protected myself and my family, by never using our family name, as I was a key witness, and remain a key witness, over years against very dangerous people,” she said.

Alysha, who blew the whistle on abuse at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre, says she feels less safe after a blunder by Police Commissioner Donna Adams. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“During my own legal proceedings, we sought it be suppressed also, to balance my need to protect the children at Ashley with my need to protect my own.

“The Premier, the Commission, the media, have protected me in this way – being aware of the very real risk to my safety, having been attacked twice already.”

Commissioner Adams apologised and said it was the result of a misunderstanding.

“In asking for specific information on police engagement with the individual, the committee member referred to having permission to name the individual without any qualifications and I subsequently followed on and used the individual’s full name in my response,” she said.

“I am now aware that permission was only provided to the committee member to use the individual’s first name.

“I am deeply sorry for the distress caused and I’ve immediately asked for the individual’s surname to be removed from any record of the committee hearing.

“I’ve also contacted the individual involved to pass on my sincere personal apologies.”

Alysha said it was disappointing her anonymity had not been protected as carefully as alleged offenders.

“I don’t feel safe, and am in absolute shock that the police were the people to put me at further risk.

“That this ongoing lack of protection and care, makes me regret ever speaking up to protect children. I would be safer, as a pedophile on staff.”