Premier
Peter Gutwein had the opportunity in Parliament today to send a clear message
that state service employees would not only be encouraged, but also supported,
if they voluntarily choose to participate in the Commission of Inquiry into the
Response of Tasmanian Government Institutions to Child Sex Abuse.
Labor
Leader Rebecca White said unfortunately, the Premier refused to make it clear
that state service employees will not face consequences if they choose to speak
up.
“The
Commission of Inquiry has the very important task to look at how we keep
children safe,” Mr White said.
“The
Commission also has the very important responsibility to inquire into past
failures.
“To
perform its role well it needs to hear from those who have worked, or still work,
in the Tasmanian state service.
“The
Premier should provide leadership and make sure that not only he, but all
communication from departments across the state service, encourages and
supports people who want to participate in the Commission of Inquiry process.
“The
Premier should also make it clear that state service employees who voluntarily
choose to participate in the Commission of Inquiry will have access to legal
support.
“Unfortunately
for Peter Gutwein, history shows his government has not always acted with
integrity and transparency on this issue.
“The
Premier has already said he became aware of the serious allegations against
James Griffin in late 2019 but the Commission of Inquiry was not established
until 15 March 2021 and, even then, only after the allegations were exposed by
the media.
“Former
Minister for Health, Sarah Courtney, actively tried to prevent the public
disclosure of the allegations.
“It’s vital that the Premier now demonstrates he will act with integrity and transparency to give confidence to victim-survivors and state service employees that they can participate in the Commission of Inquiry process without any fear of reprisal.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
