The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch has called for a State Commission of Inquiry into historic sexual abuse allegations against former paediatric nurse James Geoffrey Griffin.
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It comes a week after the state government released the terms of reference for an independent investigation into the deceased nurse, who worked in the children's ward at Launceston General Hospital for almost two decades.
Mr Griffin also worked as a nurse for a period at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre, was contracted to provide relief medic services on the Spirit of Tasmania and had affiliations with the Northern Tasmanian Netball Association.
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While welcoming of the independent investigation, ANMF Tasmania branch secretary Emily Shepherd said given breadth of the alleged crimes and the many agencies involves, an independent investigation on its own would not be adequate.
"Members on Ward 4K have been extremely distressed by the magnitude of the allegations and the fact that they span a significant period of time, including during Mr Griffin's time on Ward 4K at the Launceston General Hospital as a registered nurse," Ms Shepherd said.
"They want a Commission of Inquiry into the historical child sexual abuse allegations made against Mr Griffin to ensure that anyone with information regarding these crimes is compelled to provide evidence to ensure that crimes against children, like those alleged, can never happen again in the Tasmanian Public Service.
"Our members believe daylight is the best disinfectant in these matters. No stone should be left unturned to ensure that every process, system, and support mechanism is analysed to identify the gaps and make the necessary improvements."
Ms Shepherd said only a State Commission of Inquiry would provide complete transparency.
During Question Time in Parliament on Tuesday, Greens Franklin MHA Dr Rosalie Woodruff criticised the limitations of the independent investigation, pointing to evidence of prior complaints made against Mr Griffin that "went nowhere".
"My office has been contacted by deeply concerned current and former staff, worried a pervasive culture of blame shifting is preventing uncovering of how our health system failed our children and enabled this abusers behaviour to continue," she said.
"Your independent investigation has such limited terms of reference. It only examined THS systems and does not go into hospital culture, or individual actions or cases, which does nothing to allay their concerns."
When asked if the government would respond to calls for a State Commission of Inquiry, Health Minister Sarah Courtney said she had given assurances to the ANMF that the terms of reference were designed to capture the broad scope of the investigation.
"We know this is a very difficult time for many member of our community, and many in the Launceston region in particular," she said.
"We're committed to supporting anybody who comes forward with information and the government will take any necessary action."
Ms Courtney said the investigation would be fully empowered to examine all an any matters relating to the allegations.
Ms Shepherd said the ANMF was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the situation in Launceston in 2019 until the charging and subsequent death of Mr Griffin.
Calls for a Commission of Inquiry have been backed by the Labor party. Health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said the examination of the matters must be undertaken by a body with the greatest possible powers.
"We recognise the government has announced an independent inquiry into these deeply distressing matters. But we have since heard from current and former staff who are concerned that the terms of reference are too restrictive," she said.
"Given the complexity of the matters involved, it's important that an inquiry has the power to compel all necessary evidence across multiple government agencies.
"The community must have confidence that something like this can never happen again. That's why a Commission of Inquiry is needed."
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.
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Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
