Implementing the Commission of Inquiry’s reforms is not optional, they are essential for protecting children and rebuilding community trust.
As Tasmania prepares for the 2025 Tasmanian Election, we call on all political parties and candidates to make a clear and unwavering commitment to implementing and resourcing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.
The safety and wellbeing of Tasmania’s children must be above politics and we call on every party and candidate to stand with victim-survivors and commit to building a Tasmania where children are safe, supported and empowered to thrive.
The Change for Children Strategy lays the foundation for a safer future for every child and young person in Tasmania. It represents a promise to victim-survivors, families and communities that the failures of the past will not be repeated.
The Commission of Inquiry revealed systemic failures within the institutions responsible for protecting children. It also highlighted the courage and profound burden carried by victim-survivors, whistleblowers and advocates who demanded accountability and change — a burden that many victim-survivors continue to carry on behalf of the entire community. They led the call for change, we owe it to them, and to all children and young people, to deliver it.
Changes in policy priorities risk diluting these critical reforms. As such, renewed, explicit commitments from all parties and candidates are essential to maintain momentum, promote accountability and ensure the next state government is dedicated to leading and delivering lasting change for Tasmanian children, young people and families.
We urge all candidates to publicly commit to:
- Fully implementing the Commission of Inquiry recommendations.
- Resourcing the reforms with appropriate sustained, long-term investment across government and the community.
- Investing in services focussed on justice, healing and recovery for victim-survivors who have already been harmed.
- Embedding accountability and transparency in all systems that serve children and young people.
- Ensuring that the voices and lived experiences of children, young people, victim-survivors and their supporters are actively heard and influence the shaping of reforms.
- Drive cultural change across Tasmania to ensure everyone is equipped to prevent harm and uphold the safety, rights and wellbeing of children and young people.
This is a defining moment in our state’s history. Children cannot wait. The time for change is now.
Media Guidelines:
The following media guidelines have been developed to support safe and respectful reporting on child sexual abuse: childsafety.gov.au/what-we-do/reporting-child-sexual-abuse-guidance-media-and-victims-and-survivors
Supports and Services in Tasmania:
When sharing information about child sexual abuse in Tasmania, we encourage the inclusion of the following services:
- If you are worried about your thoughts or behaviour towards children, please call ‘STOP It Now!’ on 1800 01 1800.
- For 24 hour sexual assault support, call 1800 697 877 (1800 MY SUPPORT).
- If you are concerned about a child’s wellbeing and safety, call the Advice and Referral Line on 1800 000 123.