Media Release: Parliament to Consider an Independent Review of Commission of Inquiry lack of Findings
Parliament to Consider an Independent Review of Commission of Inquiry lack of Findings
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today moved for the Parliament to support an external, independent review into the significant unresolved matters on misconduct findings from the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Response to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.
“A fresh pair of eyes is needed to provide a clear and credible assessment of why the Commission was unable to complete this critical aspect of its job,” Ms Webb said.
“I’ve tabled a motion in the Upper House so the parliament can consider and support the establishment of an independent review to deliver accountability and transparency, and to resolve the serious questions surrounding the Commission’s incomplete processes on potential misconduct findings and possible government impediments.
“There are clear calls for a suitably qualified external and independent reviewer to assess the outstanding matters raised by the Commission’s Report, including the extent the state’s ‘interpretation’ of section 18 of the Act made it ‘impossible’ for the Commission to make the findings it may otherwise have done, and the unresolved matter of the 30 section 18 notices sent to 22 individuals.
So far, on these aspects of the Commission process, the Premier has only announced an internal government review by Heads of Agency to consider possible state service code of conduct matters for those who may have received a section 18 notice.
“More internal reviews will not cut it and instead will compound people’s legitimate concerns and continue to erode victims/survivors hope, trust and patience.
“So-called ‘iron-clad guarantees’ are meaningless if those affected do not trust those making these hollow promises – why would the Premier refuse an independent process to ensure maximum accountability?” Ms Webb said.
Ms Webb said she intends to debate her motion next Tuesday the 14th of November, calling for the proposed external and independent review to be established.
View below the text of the motion tabled by Meg Webb MLC:
