Media Release: Woolcott and Blake Reviews Missing in Action

Transparency Needed on Independent Woolcott and Blake Commission of Inquiry-Related Reviews

31 January 2024

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today questioned why Tasmanians are being left in the dark over two independent reviews, undertaken by Peter Woolcott AO and Mike Blake.

“These reviews are into significant unresolved matters raised by the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Response to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings, announced by the Premier last year,” Ms Webb said.

“The open and transparent approach to the Weiss Independent Review into former police officer Paul Reynolds presents a stark contrast to the behind-closed-doors approach of the government-commissioned Woolcott and Blake reviews.

“The Woolcott review into government agencies’ responses to matters raised by the Commission of Inquiry was to commence mid-January, according to the Premier’s announcement last year, yet no contact details or update have been made publicly available.

“The Blake review of Heads of Agencies identified in the Commission’s Final Report is due to report to the Premier by March 29, yet people have raised with me the fact they cannot find any details by which to inform or contact the Independent Reviewer, Mike Blake.

“Why are neither the Woolcott nor Blake terms of reference and contact details clearly provided on either the Department of Premier and Cabinet Home page, or the new Keeping Children Safe website which apparently is the place to go for updates on the government’s response to the Commission of Inquiry?

“In contrast, the Weiss Independent review has a clearly identifiable and dedicated page on the Tasmania Police website, with both the terms of reference and a contact email address provided.

“Additionally, Ms Weiss has issued media statements calling for submissions and has also released an interim report.

“The Premier needs to catch-up and take note of the high bar set for public transparency and reporting by the Weiss review so far.”

Ms Webb said as a priority, the contact details and current terms of reference for each of the Woolcott and Blake reviews must be made available on appropriate government websites, and clarity provided on how members of the public can make submissions.

“The Blake Review is to look into matters raised in the Commission of Inquiry in relation to former and current Heads of Agency. The Woolcott Review is to examine the actions, and the effectiveness of those actions, taken by government agencies and other relevant state authorities in response to the information and concerns raised by the Commission about Tasmanian State Service employees and officers.

“I also note neither the Woolcott nor the Blake inquiries’ final Terms of Reference were tabled in the Parliament.

“These further reviews were required due to State Government roadblocks which prevented the Commission of Inquiry from fully completing its work – public confidence will not be restored if we see yet more examples of secretive, opaque processes which fail to deliver public accountability,” Ms Webb said.