Independent Bass MP Lara Alexander is backing calls for public servants identified for the failings reported in the Commission of Inquiry Report into the Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Tasmanian Institutions to be held accountable.
She has described the efforts of action group LOUDfence as “commendable” and says if elected, she will put pressure on the newly elected government to publically name those identified by the COI, and give reason why they shouldn’t be sacked.
“Premier Rockliff keeps repeating his mantra that his government would implement all 191 recommendations of the COI while making it clear that he has no intention of publicly holding public servants to account for the systematic failures that took place under their watch,” she said.
“The Rockliff government has already used all manner of legal tricks to protect those individuals that the COI commissioners wanted to be scrutinised for failing the children to which they owed a duty of care.
“I fear that a returned Liberal government would continue this apparent policy of letting bygones be bygones and hoping the public will forget the whole thing.
“Victim-survivors are entitled to justice, and all public servants need to know that ignoring or covering up child sexual abuse will be career-ending.”
LOUDfence Tasmania co-ordinator Lawrie Donaldson it also calling on candidates in the upcoming March state election to declare their position on the issue.
He has criticised the Rockliff Government’s response to sexual abuse at the LGH, local schools, foster homes and the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
