THE Royal Commission is being urged to investigate all historical allegations of child sexual abuse in Tasmanian public schools. The plea comes amid claims a predatory Tasmanian principal was relocated to another state school after his abuse was exposed. A former North-West headmaster this week pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting 11 young boys in his care about 30 years ago. The Supreme Court in Hobart heard the 72-year-old assaulted most boys within the school's grounds, following a strikingly similar pattern of abuse that spanned several years. The Education Department investigated claims of abuse against one boy after the victim's father insisted police not press charges. The department responded to admissions the man "nursed, kissed and cuddled" his students, and took photos of a group of boys naked, by moving him to another school. Police pressed charges against him last year after a complaint was made to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The case against him continues on July 20. People Protecting Children president Allison Ritchie now wants the commission to examine the full history of allegations and substantiated claims of child sex abuse within Tasmanian public schools. Ms Ritchie wants to know how each complaint was handled. "If there's any evidence there was a deliberate attempt to shuffle people into different positions within the department that information must come to light," she said. "The public has a right to know whether there were systemic cover-ups to shield perpetrators or improper responses to allegations." The Royal Commission declined to comment on her request. Education Department secretary Colin Pettit said his agency was fully co-operating with the commission. "The department takes all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and/or misconduct of its employees very seriously and has a stringent process in place to address any allegation or complaint," Mr Pettit said. "Any report of a potential criminal nature is referred to police." Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff echoed his comments. "Now there are procedures in place to ensure something like that tragedy never happens again," Mr Rockliff said.
THE Royal Commission is being urged to investigate all historical allegations of child sexual abuse in Tasmanian public schools.
The plea comes amid claims a predatory Tasmanian principal was relocated to another state school after his abuse was exposed.
A former North-West headmaster this week pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting 11 young boys in his care about 30 years ago.
The Supreme Court in Hobart heard the 72-year-old assaulted most boys within the school's grounds, following a strikingly similar pattern of abuse that spanned several years.
The Education Department investigated claims of abuse against one boy after the victim's father insisted police not press charges.
The department responded to admissions the man "nursed, kissed and cuddled" his students, and took photos of a group of boys naked, by moving him to another school.
Police pressed charges against him last year after a complaint was made to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
The case against him continues on July 20.
People Protecting Children president Allison Ritchie now wants the commission to examine the full history of allegations and substantiated claims of child sex abuse within Tasmanian public schools.
Ms Ritchie wants to know how each complaint was handled.
"If there's any evidence there was a deliberate attempt to shuffle people into different positions within the department that information must come to light," she said.
"The public has a right to know whether there were systemic cover-ups to shield perpetrators or improper responses to allegations."
The Royal Commission declined to comment on her request.
Education Department secretary Colin Pettit said his agency was fully co-operating with the commission.
"The department takes all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and/or misconduct of its employees very seriously and has a stringent process in place to address any allegation or complaint," Mr Pettit said.
"Any report of a potential criminal nature is referred to police."
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff echoed his comments.
"Now there are procedures in place to ensure something like that tragedy never happens again," Mr Rockliff said.
