The state government will launch an independent investigation into how an alleged paedophile nurse went undetected at the Launceston General Hospital for nearly two decades.
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Premier Peter Gutwein, alongside Health Minister Sarah Courtney, announced the inquiry on Thursday - more than a week after the late James Geoffrey Griffin was revealed as the individual at the centre of historic sexual abuse allegations.
Mr Gutwein said since a review into the policies and processes within the Tasmanian Health Service was launched by the government last week, further information had been provided, and then referred to the appropriate authorities for assessment.
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He said it was agreed that the most appropriate next step was to have an independent investigation into the matter.
"While we are taking advice on the most appropriate form the investigation will take, it will investigate and examine a range of issues, including any complaints and processes followed in relation to this specific matter, as well as the broad mechanisms and procedures in place, to ensure appropriate actions is taken when allegations are made to any government agency or organisation," he said.
"The government strongly believes that all departments and organisations and all individuals connected to those organisations, must do everything in their power to protect children and to prevent child abuse from occurring.
"We need assurances that the safe guards we have in place today are the best they can be for our health system, and for those who utilise its services."
Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the independent investigation had her and the government's full support, and will have all resources it requires, to properly investigate this matter.
When asked why the inquiry wasn't launched last week when Mr Griffin was identified, or when Mr Griffin was charged in October, 2019, Ms Courtney said further information had come to light and "subsequent to that, this is the decision we have made".
"Action was taken immediately. Action was taken the day the THS was informed that working with vulnerable people provision had been revoked by this individual. It was taken that day," she said.
Ms Courtney said the government would take advice on the most appropriate form for the investigation and would have more to say in coming days.
She said the outcomes of the investigation would be released to the public.
Mr Griffin, 69, died just weeks after he was charged in 2019, with numerous criminal offences relating to child sex abuse.
National sexual assault support: 1800 RESPECT, Laurel House (03) 6334 2740 (Launceston), (03) 6431 9711 (Burnie and Devonport), Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) on 1800 697 877.