Alleged historical sex assault at the LGH to be referred to the Commission of Inquiry

Authorities are investigating ‘concerning’ allegations a Tasmanian public hospital doctor sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl when she was getting treated for asthma. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS >>

TASMANIA Police will refer an historical rape allegation at the Launceston General Hospital to the Commission of Inquiry investigating responses to child sexual abuse within government instutitions.

The family of Zoe Duncan alleges a doctor at the hospital sexually assaulted her when she was 11 and had been seeking treatment for an asthma attack in May 2001.

The family has raised serious concerns about the investigation that took place and the time it took for police to become involved.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the matters raised were “extraordinarily concerning”.

“I understand that the matter was historically referred to police and my understanding is they have been re-referred today to police for further assessment,” Ms Courtney said on Tuesday.

Tasmania Police said the allegations were investigated in 2001 and available evidence did not support charges being laid.

“We have not yet received a referral from the Department of Health, however, Tasmania Police will be referring the matter to the Commission of Inquiry for investigation,” a Tasmania Police statement said.

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The doctor concerned has denied the allegations and reportedly continues to practice interstate, under restrictions that include not being able to treat female patients except in emergencies.

Zoe Duncan died in 2017 at the age of 28.

Another historical sex assault has been alleged at the Launceston General Hospital.

Labor leader Rebecca White said the case was “incredibly distressing”.

“Today’s story is just another terrible example of an abuse of power, the assault and use of a young child, and the fact that person and perpetrator is still working in conditions where they might be having access to young children or vulnerable people is a worry,” Ms White said.

“I think that needs to be looked at very quickly.”

The LGH has been under scrutiny after revelations paedophile James Geoffrey Griffin, who was a nurse at the hospital, had been charged with dozens of child sex offences.

The upcoming Commission of Inquiry will include investigating the responses of the Tasmanian Health Service and the Department of Health to allegations of child sexual abuse, with the LGH to be examined.

Ms Courtney said all claims of historical sex abuse are being dealt with “very, very seriously”.

“I have stood in parliament many times and asked Tasmanians to come forward with their stories to the Commission of Inquiry and also to the department so that all these matters can be addressed,” she said.

A spokesman for the Tasmanian Health Service said the Department of Health and the THS take historical allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously.

“All allegations are reviewed to determine whether further action is required in relation to current employees,” he said.

“We are fully supportive of the current Commission of Inquiry, and would urge anyone with relevant information to make it known to the Inquiry and to Tasmania Police.”