Key department heads have been cleared of any state service breaches following an independent review of findings from the Commission of Inquiry's final report on state responses to child sexual abuse in institutional settings.
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Mr Blake in November was appointed to examine whether department secretaries mentioned in the commission's report breached the state service code of conduct.
Mr Blake studied submissions from the heads of agencies involved, transcripts of evidence they provided to the commission in hearings and any concerns raised about them by the commissioners in the inquiry's final report.
The department heads were:
- former Department of Premier and Cabinet secretary Jenny Gale;
- Justice Department secretary Ginna Webster;
- former Communities Department head Michael Pervan;
- former police commissioner Darren Hine;
- Health Department secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks;
- and Education Department secretary TIm Bullard.
Mr Blake said he was unable to make contact with Ms Gale during the review, but was able to draw a conclusion.
He said on review of the material, the conduct of those named did not potentially breach the state service code of conduct, or in Mr Hine's case, the state service code of conduct or code of conduct outlined in the Police Service Act.
In relation to all matters in the COI's final report where findings were unable to be made ... I fully considered all matters and this did not change the conclusions that I arrived at," he said.
Through his review and submissions provided to him, Mr Blake made 10 recommendations for action by the government.
Amongst these, he recommended:
- that the government take note of the matters raised by the commissioners that relate to changes needed to the Commission of Inquiry Act and initiate changes;
- that the Department of Education, Children and Young People and Department of Health collaborate to ensure that child safe policies, professional conduct policies and professional development arrangements coincide;
- and that the government ensure that, where applicable, it is clear the extent to which these recommendations capture secretaries.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he would task the head of the state service to consider the matters raised and work with department secretaries on them.
"As I have always stated, I continue to have full confidence in the secretaries of the relevant departments and I am pleased to be able to provide this additional level of assurance to the Tasmanian public," he said.
Nelson independent MLC Meg Webb said Mr Blake's review was stymied by the narrow and inadequate terms of reference provided by the Premier last year.
"This report is unlikely to provide much comfort to victims-survivors, whistleblowers and supporters," she said.
"Despite the inadequate and narrow terms of reference, it is telling that the bulk of Mr Blakes recommendations point to the need to strengthen and boost the public sectors governance and accountability, particularly at senior levels."
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
