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Labor has
backed calls by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation for a
Commission of Inquiry into historic sexual abuse allegations involving a nurse
at the Launceston General Hospital.

Shadow
Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said examination of these matters must be
undertaken by a body with the greatest possible powers.

“We
recognise the government has announced an independent inquiry into these deeply
distressing matters.

“But we
have since heard from current and former staff who are concerned that the terms
of reference are too restrictive.

“Given the
complexity of the matters involved, it’s important that an inquiry has the
power to compel all necessary evidence across multiple government agencies.

“The
community must have confidence that something like this can never happen again.
That’s why a Commission of Inquiry is needed.”

Ms Lovell
said it’s a traumatic time for children, parents and anyone who worked with the
person at the centre of the allegations.

“That
includes staff currently working at the Launceston General Hospital.

“They have lost confidence in the system and need to have absolute faith that an inquiry will have the rigour necessary to identify failings in the system and set them right.

“I urge the government to act on the call to establish a Commission of Inquiry. No stone should be left unturned in seeking the truth about these allegations.”

Sarah Lovell MLC

Shadow Health Minister