In 2018, the TAS Govt along with all States & Territories agreed to implement the recommendations of the Commonwealth Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse, including those directed at Local Govt. Recommendations requiring Councils establish child safe signage in all Council-operated facilities- sports grounds, halls, child care centres.

So, eight years later, where is all the signage?

Only a handful of Tasmanian Councils are belatedly progressing this with most apparently showing no interest whatsoever! A notable exception is the Launceston City Council with its commitment to taking a leadership role in the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse!

The Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), while the fundholder for signage initiatives, has no ‘monitoring role’, with the Local Government Minister explaining that it is the role of the Independent Regulator to ensure that Councils are fulfilling their obligations under Recommendation 6.12

Key Takeaways

1. The failure for Tasmanian Councils to establish child safe signage after eight years is evidence of the ongoing institutional indifference to widespread child sexual abuse.
2. Confusion persists as to the role and jurisdiction of the various regulatory bodies!
3. Signage serves as visual cues to support culture change.