Premier opens arms to victims

PREMIER Jeremy Rockliff has made a powerful statement of support for those who come forward to give evidence to the commission of inquiry into the Tasmanian government’s responses to child sexual abuse in institutional settings.

In his first Question Time since taking the top job, the Premier says his government wants to make sure that victim-survivors are heard and supported.

The commission started public hearings on Monday.

Responding to a question, Mr Rockliff (inset) said he was committed to openness and transparency and accountability – and to implementing the recommendations of the commission.

“There could not be a more important topic and matter for discussion than that of protecting our children and young people from child sexual abuse or any form of abuse,” he said.

“That is why we set up the commission of inquiry.

“It is important that we not only listen to survivors of child sexual abuse but, importantly, ensure they have the confidence to bring forward their voice in the first place and be heard.”

Mr Rockliff agreed that governments had fallen short – and pledged to do better.

“We can only acknowledge the failures of all governments of all colours for decades to ensure that we learn from those failures moving forward, which is why we have set up the commission of inquiry, where we do move forward to ensure that the systems we have in place, that we have improved upon, and that we will need to continue to improve upon.

“Despite all the work that our government has done in recent years, led by our Attorney-General, I am sure there are still gaps.

“We will have no hesitation in ensuring that those gaps are addressed, and the recommendations of the commission of inquiry are implemented.”

Mr Rockliff said he met at the weekend with victimsurvivors at the weekend, fulfilling a pledge made by former premier Peter Gutwein.

“Questions were put to me around ensuring that people felt safe to bring forward their lived experiences, as traumatic as they are,” he said.

“I provided those assurances at what was an incredibly insightful, heartfelt and meaningful meeting. So, I give that commitment.”

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor welcomed the Premier’s words.

“That’s what victimsurvivors needed to hear, a clear, unequivocal message from the new Premier,” Ms O’Connor said.