Media Release: Lessons to be Learned in Independent Woolcott Review
Lessons to be Learned in Independent Woolcott Review
4 November 2025
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today welcomed the tabling of the Final Report-Part A of the independent Woolcott Review into actions taken in response to the information and concerns raised by the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.
Ms Webb was instrumental in securing this important independent review which the Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, moved to establish following a Legislative Council vote on her motion in November 2023.
“The long awaited independent Woolcott Review has confirmed many of the fears held by victims, survivors and whistleblowers that the State’s key government departments were woefully unprepared to respond appropriately to the Commission of Inquiry findings and recommendations,” Ms Webb said.
“The Woolcott Review provides a scathing indictment on the lack of preparedness by government to take the necessary action following the CoI’s Final Report, failings which were compounded by identified systemic failings from the top down.
“The Woolcott Review found systemic accountability settings have not sufficiently changed post-COI. Further, there is a need for ongoing improvement in employment frameworks, disciplinary processes, and the culture of the State Service.
“Despite some improvement due to recent departmental leadership changes, the Woolcott Review highlights the need for serious reforms to drive necessary cultural change throughout government and the public sector.”
Ms Webb said a key recommendation to driving much needed cultural reform is for all elements of the State Service Code of Conduct to apply at all times.
“Many of those involved with the CoI, either as victim/survivors, whistleblowers or other witnesses know what a damaging loop-hole the current Code of Conduct provided to too many too often.
“I also welcome the Woolcott Review’s recommendation that a Commissioner of the State Service be established.
“I urge the Rockliff government to provide unequivocal endorsement of this significant and timely independent Woolcott Review and its recommendations.”
Ms Webb noted the Woolcott Review is expected to release Part B of its Final Report later this month.
