Media Release – Ashley Youth Detention Centre – “Alysha”

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today called on Premier Jeremy Rockliff to urgently intervene to guarantee the Workers Compensation matter concerning the Ashley Youth Detention Centre whistle-blower known as ‘Alysha’ is being conducted appropriately and concluded promptly.

“I understand political interference in the determination of a Workers Compensation matter would be inappropriate,” Ms Webb said.

“However, both the Premier and Attorney General Elise Archer are responsible for ensuring the State behaves as a model litigant and processes such as this are not weaponised against staff who speak out.

“It is time for Premier Rockliff to demonstrate leadership and live up to his promise to give his full support to all state servants coming forward to protect our most vulnerable.*”

Ms Webb said “Alysha’s” treatment by the State could be perceived by the community as vindictive.

“She’s been forced to endure a seemingly endless punitive process, including a prolonged exercise in doctor-shopping by the state.

“Far from behaving as a model litigant, the Rockliff Liberal Government appears to be actively retraumatising the woman who has shown immense courage where all others have failed.

“This appalling treatment sends a terrible message to all State public servants about what they can expect if they speak up to expose government failures.

“Is this really the example of ‘full support’ the Premier’s wants to provide to our nurses, teachers, youth justice, child safety workers and others?

“No-one showing the courage that ‘Alysha’ has done in exposing child abuse should face losing their home, their safety, their health and even their life as a result.”

Ms Webb said it’s time to end this farce.

“The Tasmanian Government needs to make right the harm done to ‘Alysha’ in coming forward to protect Tasmanian children when others turned their backs and protected their own jobs.”

*Rockliff Ministerial Statements Parliament

24 May 2022

“I thank the state servants who have come forward in an effort to make things better for people and young people in Tasmania.  I reiterate today that not only do all state servants have my full support to come forward and to shine a light on these matters, I emphatically encourage them to do so.  There is no more important task than helping us to ensure our system protects our most vulnerable.”

16 Aug 2022

“I want to again reiterate today that all state servants have my full support to come forward and shine a light on these matters.  There is no more important task than helping to ensure that our system protects our most vulnerable.”