COURAGE OF CONVICTIONS

AHEAD- KICKER, glass- jawed, stubborn. Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein gets described in many different ways — few of them paint the full portrait. But what isn’t said often enough is that Mr Gutwein is a premier who cares about doing the right thing more than he cares about holding his current position.

There aren’t many politicians we could say the same for.

In his inaugural speech, Mr Gutwein talked about making Tasmania a fairer state where the social and economic outcomes were better for those who hadn’t yet shared in the spoils.

Then during the coronavirus crisis he surprised people by his firm yet compassionate, strong yet sensitive leadership style — even once or twice becoming emotional in his daily press conferences.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen a return to the more pugilistic style we’re accustomed to. Few political observers will forget the highly charged ABC radio interview he had with Leon Compton over the government’s refusal to release the names of businesses who received COVID grants.

So some may have also been surprised to see the Premier announce a Commission of Inquiry into child sexual abuse in government institutions after initial reluctance.

It’s the first of its type in the state in 20 years. The commission will have the power to hold public hearings, call witnesses and demand the production of documents.

The terms of reference will be formulated over coming weeks.

Many expected the government to dig in on the issue, but Mr Gutwein’s decision to leave no stone unturned in an attempt to right the wrongs of the past shows that ultimately he is a man who cares first and foremost about doing the right thing.

As a state, we must prioritise child safety and protecting our vulnerable over everything. And Mr Gutwein has shown he’s willing to do that.

It’s not the first time he’s done this. In 2003, he was the first Tasmanian MP in more than five years to cross the floor in support of a Greens bill to set up a commission of inquiry into child abuse.

He was stripped of his shadow treasury, education and employment portfolios.

“If we don’t have the courage of our own convictions, how can we expect those people out there that have been abused, that are aware of abuse, to come forward,” he said.

Opposition leader Rene Hidding said at the time: “It was a judgment call by Mr Gutwein that will have far- reaching and longserving ramifications for his own political career.”

This inquiry will likely dredge up a lot of pain and a lot of shame but light must be shone into some very dark corners to ensure predators and those who protect them have nowhere to hide.