Sexabuse inquiry

AN independent inquiry will be held into a serial pedophile who worked in the children’s ward at the Launceston General Hospital.

The state government announced the inquiry into the case against James Geoffrey Griffin, 69, who had been facing charges relating to crimes against children when he died last October. Griffin had worked at the LGH since 2001.

THE state government has announced an independent inquiry into a serial pedophile who worked in the children’s ward of Launceston General Hospital.

James Geoffrey Griffin, 69, of Legana, was charged with more than a dozen offences last October relating to crimes against children as young as 11.

He had worked in the paediatric unit attached to the Launceston hospital since 2001.

Griffin died soon after being charged, after taking a dangerous cocktail of drugs.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the decision to hold an inquiry came after more information about the case was uncovered – but did not say what that information was.

“I think that we have clearly seen a failure if we have seen these types of allegations happen here in Tasmania, that is why we’re committed to this process,” she said.

“Further information has come to light and subsequent to that this is the right decision that we’ve made.

“Anybody in Tasmania who has been the subject of abuse, I think our whole community has a responsibility to make sure that they are protected, as Minister of Health, I absolutely apologise to any victim, both now and in the past who has been impacted by anything, that we can learn and we can do better.

“I can assure everyone in the community, including all the staff and patients both now and in the past of that hospital, that we’re committed to this process and we’ll resource it as it needs to be to make sure that it investigates all the matters that it needs to.”

Premier Peter Gutwein said full details of the investigation would be announced soon.

He said he was appalled at the very serious allegations against the deceased former employee of the hospital.

“All members of the community must do everything in their power to protect children and prevent child abuse from appearing.”

Mr Gutwein said the investigation would have the power to examine any complaints about Griffin and the response, as well as what was in place to ensure appropriate action in similar situations.

The inquiry is in addition to an independent inquiry into the Department of Education’ s responses to child sexual abuse.

Labor leader Rebecca White said an independent investigation was the only way to address the allegations.

“The government needs to … ensure this never happens again,” she said.