Scope of independent investigation into alleged LGH paedophile James Geoffrey Griffin revealed

The investigation will examine the policies, legislation, practices and procedures of the Tasmanian Health Service, Health Department and other relevant agencies, in relation to the historic sexual abuse allegations.

This will include whether relevant information was destroyed or withheld from the appropriate authorities.

The investigation will be led by barrister Maree Norton, who recently returned to Tasmania and was the same legal counsel appointed by the University of Tasmania for the review of former vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen.

Announcing the terms of reference for the Griffin inquiry on Tuesday, Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the investigation would get underway as soon as possible, with the expectation it would take at least six months to be completed.

When asked why the investigation would not be a Commission of Inquiry, Ms Courtney said the government had taken the appropriate advice, with the terms of reference finalised by the Secretary of Justice, in consultation with the head of the State Service and the Solicitor General.

"We want to make sure these matters are fully understood [and] fully investigated, because the safety of our children is absolutely paramount," she said.

"As the Minister for Health, I want to ensure our policies and practices within the THS as well as broadly across government, are appropriate to make sure this doesn't happen in the future."

The investigation will examine what information was reported regarding any allegations of child sexual abuse in relation to Mr Girffin, prior to his suspension from duty as a registered nurse on Ward 4K.

It will also look at past systems that might have failed in preventing the perpetration of child sexual abuse within the Tasmanian Health Service.

Ms Courtney said the breadth of the terms of reference has been made wide-ranging, to allow Ms Norton flexibility in investigating the matters, as she sees fit.

"The government feels very strongly about this matter, and we want to make sure Ms Norton is appropriate'y supported in that role, to investigate the matters she sees as appropriate," Ms Courtney said.

The investigation will compliment, but not substitute the work of Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse; the criminal investigation conducted by Tasmania Police; and the Inquiry into the Education Department's Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2020).

Details regarding how members of the public will be able to provide information to the investigation will be outlined shortly.

Labor health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell welcomed the inquiry saying no stone should be left unturned.

"We are also pleased to see a commitment to supporting anyone who comes forward with information," she said.

"This will be a traumatic time for children, parents and anyone who worked with this person and they will need support to get through it.

"Staff at the LGH in particular will be finding this extremely difficult, and the Minister must ensure that all staff are easily able to access adequate mental health support without question."

The outcomes will be released to the public and the investigation will report to the Attorney-General and the Health Minister.

Mr Griffin died less than a month after the charges against him were announced in October 2019, and before he stood trial.

A Tasmania Police investigation now forms part of a coronial inquiry.

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.