New details emerge on investigation into paedophile nurse James Griffin
The independent investigation into Launceston General Hospital paedophile nurse James Geoffrey Griffin will soon get under way, with new information already coming to light. LATEST >>
Police & Courts
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AN INVESTIGATION into a nurse who police allege spent almost three decades sexually abusing children is set to begin soon.
Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the state government had released the Terms of Reference for the independent investigation into the allegations against former Launceston General Hospital employee James Geoffrey Griffin.
Last October, Tasmania Police laid more than a dozen charges against the 69-year-old Legana man, who had worked at the LGH’s paediatric ward since 2001.
The charged related to sexual offences against young children as young as 11.
After being charged on October 3, 2019, he was found 11 days later in his home unresponsive after consuming a cocktail of drugs. He died four days later at the LGH.
Barrister Maree Norton has been appointed to undertake the investigation, which is expected to begin as soon as possible.
“There will be an opportunity for members of the public to be able to come forward with information that they would like to provide to the reviewer and we will provide more information about that,” Ms Courtney said.
“It’s my expectation that this investigation will take a number of months so I would expect that we would still take at least six months for any findings to be brought forward.
Ms Courtney said she personally found the allegations against Mr Griffin “very distressing”,
“I think the Tasmanian community would be appalled by some of the allegations that have been aired,” she said.
“I think it’s really important that these matters are looked into appropriately.
“The safety of our children is absolutely paramount and as the Minister for Health I want to ensure that our policies and practices within THS as well as more broadly across government are appropriate to make sure this doesn't happen in the future.”
Labor welcomed the release of the Terms of Reference, with shadow health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell saying a thorough investigation is the only way the matter could be dealt with appropriately.
“No stone should be left unturned in seeking the truth about these allegations and I look forward to the government implementing any recommendations from the inquiry to ensure this never happens again,” she said.
With the distressing nature of the allegations, Ms Courtney urged members of the community and LGH staff that help is available.
“I know this has had a large impact on many in our community. It’s important that people do reach out and get the support they need,” she said.
The Terms of Reference are available on the Department of Justice website.
Support is available through 1800 RESPECT, Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Sexual Assault Support Service on 1800 697 877, and Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277.
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