The Commonwealth Royal Commission in 2017 recommended that local government assume a key role in preventing child sexual abuse. The Tasmanian Government agreed to implement this, but progress has been negligible, with some notable exceptions like the Launceston City Council. Many Councils simply have opted out!

We can’t allow a situation that sees entities respondent to legislation simply opt in or opt out based on the lack of commitment of individuals.

The Government has provided the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) with millions of dollars to support the implementation of these nationwide recommendations and maintains that it has fully discharged its responsibilities.  Monitoring progress is said to be a matter for LGAT and the regulator, but no doubt the Tasmanian Independent Regulator will say they have no jurisdiction over matters that predated their existence. I note the explainer issued by the Tasmanian Government makes the Department of Premier and Cabinet responsible for monitoring the implementation of Recommendation 6.12.

Recommendation 6.12 states that: With support from governments at the national, state and territory levels, local governments should designate child safety officer positions from existing staff profiles to carry out the following functions: 

-developing child safe messages in local government venues, grounds and facilities

-assisting local institutions to access online child safe resources

-providing child safety information and support to local institutions on a needs basis

-supporting local institutions to work collaboratively with key services to ensure child safe approaches are culturally safe, disability aware and appropriate for children from diverse backgrounds

 Conversation starters?

1. Are you satisfied that your Council takes CSA prevention seriously?
2. Have you seen any ‘child safe’ messaging in local sports grounds?