Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
When you stood in this place responding to the tabling of the commission of inquiry report, you had nothing to say about the Paul Reynolds abuse matter. That was despite those commissioners making it clear further action was needed. Only after repeated calls by the Greens was an inquiry established.
Earlier this year, the Weiss inquiry released its recommendations and you promised to implement them. That sounded good, but the state budget papers are a cause for concern. They do not mention the review or its recommendations. There is no money to even start a redress scheme for victim/survivors, let alone to fund it. The Integrity Commission has not received the money it says it needs to support the Weiss inquiry’s recommendations either.
Words are hollow. How can you say that you accept the recommendations when you are doing nothing to implement them? What is the timeline for action, or is this another case where parliament will have to order you to do the right thing?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the member, Dr Woodruff, for the question. At the request of Commissioner Adams, an independent review was undertaken in relation to the conduct of Paul Reynolds across his 40‑year career prior to his death in September 2018. The review commenced in October last year and was led by experienced barrister Regina Weiss. The final report was publicly released in July this year. The review made five recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the Commissioner of Police and our government, and all will be delivered.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Dr WOODRUFF – A supplementary question, Speaker?
The SPEAKER – I will hear the supplementary question.
Dr WOODRUFF – I asked specifically what the timeline is for action? Is there money in the Budget to implement the recommendations? We do not see it. Is the parliament going to have to order you to do the right thing?
The SPEAKER – The original question, Premier, was about the timeline. I am not sure that you can comment on whether parliament will be ordering you. That will be a matter for the House to determine in its own choice. I draw you to the question about the timeline.
Mr ROCKLIFF – The Tasmanian government is committed to a sustained effort of implementing all the 191 recommendations. We have committed $424.5 million in the 2024‑25 Budget and forward Estimates for the ongoing implementation of these reforms, building on funding of $55.1 million provided in 2023-24. We have committed to Ms Weiss’ recommendations. We will deliver on those recommendations –
Dr Woodruff – When?
Mr ROCKLIFF – I can provide a timeline at a later time –
Dr Woodruff – Can you provide them today?
The SPEAKER – The Leader of the Greens will stop interjecting. Is the Premier taking on notice that he will provide the timeline?
Mr ROCKLIFF – Yes.
Dr Woodruff – When?
The SPEAKER – The Leader of the Greens will stop interjecting.
Mr ROCKLIFF – An absolute commitment of ours is to implement the five recommendations –
Dr Woodruff – It should be in the Budget.
The SPEAKER – Leader of the Greens, please. Premier, you will take that on notice to return to the House.
