THE former head of the Integrity Commission who is suing the state government has called for an ``innocence project'' to be established in Tasmania.
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Barbara Etter has set up a consultancy firm following her sudden departure from the corruption watchdog last year.
Mrs Etter is taking legal action against the government, her former employer, claiming she was repeatedly undermined and forced to resign.
In a blog post on her website, Mrs Etter details a litany of problems with the state's justice system and recommends setting up a ``centre of excellence'', dedicated to assisting convicted criminals who believe they are innocent, based on the Innocence Project in Western Australia.
``I do not know how many miscarriage of justice cases there might be in Tassie. But a project like this may well flush any out,'' she said.
Mrs Etter has already been hired by the family of Susan Neill-Fraser, who is appealing against her conviction for murdering long-time partner Bob Chappell.
The former West Australian assistant police commissioner also takes aim at a culture of ``it's not what you know, but who you know'' which she says is prevalent in such a small island state.
``In a small and close-knit society, there is also a strong reluctance to `rock the boat' and `take on' practices and individuals. Aspects of the environment here in Tasmania seem far too controlled to enable the questioning and challenging that must occur if justice is to prevail.''
She later said the comments were based on her experiences as chief executive officer of the Integrity Commission.
A government spokesman said that position had yet to be advertised.
``A recruitment consultant has been appointed and they have commenced the search. The position will be advertised as part of the search and this should occur in early March,'' he said.