I am often asked if the Tasmanian Commission of Inquiry (COI) into child sexual abuse in Government institutions will make children safer. In reality it is too early to say but the signs are not universally positive.

Yes, significant resources are being expended to implement the recommendations of the COI but there are emerging concerns:

• Regulators seem reluctant to regulate.
• The independence of ‘independent regulators’ remains questionable while they are compelled under legislation to act on the legal directions of the Tasmanian Solicitor General. The opportunity for political interference is real!
• The COI Implementation Monitor seems totally reliant as yet on Government Agencies to report on progress. However a victim-survivor reference group could be established.
• Cultural change strategies in Tasmanian Government Agencies are over-reliant on attitude change programs delivered through training initiatives. International evidence is that training will not deliver the behavioural changes needed. There needs to be real career detriment for those who cover-up child sexual abuse.
• The electoral interests of political parties continues to prevails over the safety of children and youth.
• The delays in legislative reforms that would see Agencies able to share allegations of CSA are compromising efforts to identify and remove child sex offenders in Government Agencies.

I am aware of a great many people who are doing their best to improve child safeguarding in Tasmanian Government institutions. However their contribution will fall short if the Tasmanian Parliament does not address the systemic ‘rate limiters’ that are constraining efforts to de-construct the culture that has permitted State-sponsored child sexual abuse and exploitation over generations.

Conversation starters:

1. How serious are political parties in addressing state-sponsored child sexual abuse in Tasmania?
2. Why do you think I am calling it ‘state-sponsored’ child sexual abuse?