Article-Answers Needed on Child Reports
Mercury | 2 September 2025: pg 5.
Article- Answers Needed on Child Reports
David Killick
An independent MP has accused the Liberal government of a lack of transparency for not releasing two reports relating to the Commission of Inquiry, which delivered its final report two years ago.
Independent member for Nelson, Meg Webb, said the long wait for results from reviews into the government’s responses was unacceptable.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that we’re here, yet again, trying to drag information out of a government that should be all about transparency – especially when it comes to protecting our children,” she said.
“It’s not right that we’re here two years later, still trying to drag information out of the government about what it’s doing in response to the Commission of Inquiry.
“I call on the Rockliff government to provide immediate status updates on both the independent review into legal assistance provided to state servants undertaken by Sam Tatarka, and the independent review undertaken by former Australian Public Service commissioner Peter Woolcott AO of the actions of government agencies, their … responses to … concerns raised by the Commission of Inquiry.
“Is the Rockliff government deliberately sitting on these two independent final reports which could provide insight into whether, and how, the state prioritises protecting children over perceived state interests?”
The Woolcott review was commissioned by the Premier in November 2023, and the Tatarka review was announced by the Attorney-General in December that same year.
“Eighteen months and two state elections later, we are still waiting for their final reports to be released,” Ms Webb said.
Liberal minister Bridget Archer said the government would release both reports, but did not say when.
“The Tatarka review has been received and will be released as soon as possible,” she said.
“The Woolcott review is yet to be received, but we are committed to releasing both of those reports as soon as we possibly can.”
