State government says it will adopt all recommendations of review into pedophile cop

Recommendations from a review into the pedophile police officer who groomed or sexually abused dozens of boys during his 30-year-career will be adopted, state government says.

Regina Weiss independent reviewer. Report released in relation to Tasmania Police member Paul Reynolds. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The state government says it will implement all the recommendations of a review into the pedophile police officer who groomed or sexually abused dozens of boys during his 30-year career.

Barrister Regina Weiss made five recommendations in her review of Sergeant Paul Reynolds which was made public on Friday.

They included a redress scheme for the 50-plus victim survivors and amendments to the Integrity Commission Act to make allow that body to better conduct investigations.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said she accepted the recommendations in full. Three required action by police, two by government.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff during Parliament Question Time. Picture: Chris Kidd

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said on Wednesday that cabinet had agreed to accept all five recommendations.

“The government will now work to appropriately deliver the recommendations from the review,” he said.

“To the victim-survivors, especially those impacted by Reynolds’ appalling crimes, we thank you for your bravery.”

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, thanked Ms Weiss for her diligent and extensive work throughout the review and following the report’s release.

“We know the impact of Reynolds’ offending is vast, but I want to assure Tasmanians we are committed to delivering the report’s recommendations,” Minister Ellis said.

“Every Tasmanian has a responsibility to keep our children safe, and our government will continue to implement reforms as a priority.”

The Integrity Commission said on Monday if did not have the money to take on the additional work.

“We strive within our current resourcing to do the best we can do. However, on our current budget, we cannot provide the level of investigation or oversight that the report recommends,” Chief Commissioner Greg Melick said.