Dr WOODRUFF question to PREMIER, Mr ROCKLIFF
The Cox review of the Integrity Commission in 2016, the commission of inquiry and the independent Weiss review into paedophile police officer Paul Reynolds all highlight the pressing need for reform to strengthen the Integrity Commission. The Integrity Commission has clearly been unable to investigate paedophile state servants, including serving police officers and others in positions of trust who enabled the sexual abuse of children.
You previously committed to bring in changes to the Integrity Commission Act in response to the commission of inquiry’s recommendations this year. Can you confirm that the Integrity Commission reforms recommended by the Weiss review, including those calling for stronger, coercive and investigative powers for the Integrity Commission, will be brought in as part of the same set of urgent amendments this year?
ANSWER
Mr ROCKLIFF – Honourable Speaker, I thank Dr Woodruff for her question. I fully appreciate the seriousness of the nature of the question and, once again, reiterate our government’s commitment to implementing the 191 recommendations as per the commission of inquiry, and more to ensure that we are nation-leading when it comes to the protection of our children and young people.
In reference to the Integrity Commission’s work, we respect and value the independence of the commission and have every confidence in its ability to undertake its duties. The confidence and stability agreement between the Premier and the parliamentary members of the Jacqui Lambie Network requires a review of the Integrity Commission within 12 months of the agreement, as per 10 April. We will see further work demonstrated about to this.
The Integrity Commission will be reviewed with an eye to giving it greater capability to conduct its work by mid-April 2025. This will include reforms already, considering recent commission of inquiry recommendations and those remaining from the 2016 statutory review and 2022‑23 consultation, as you alluded to in your question, Dr Woodruff. The review will consider the May 2024 Integrity Commission report into a right-to-information request in the Department of Health that will also address recommendation 5 from the June 2024 Weiss review.
The government expects that the review will build on, rather than reinvent, prior analysis and consultation completed in recent times regarding the five‑year statutory review and commission of inquiry. Future funding decisions will consider the Integrity Commission’s financial needs as they relate to the powers and width of the commission’s jurisdiction in existence over that time, notwithstanding the increase, as both myself and the minister, Mr Ellis, have spoken about in recent times.
In respect to the Weiss independent review into Paul Reynolds, on 10 July I announced that Cabinet had accepted all recommendations of the 28 June 2024 review and final report. Recommendation 5, as you would know, relates to the Integrity Commission. It contains two sub-recommendations, if I can term it that way. The first is that Tasmania Police consider recommending Integrity Commission Act amendments to ensure the commission can independently investigate all notifications regarding Tasmanian Police members alleged to have groomed and/or sexually abused persons, that being serious misconduct under the act. The second is reiterating recommendation 35, which you refer to, of the Cox review –
The SPEAKER – The Premier’s time has expired.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Dr WOODRUFF – A supplementary question, Honourable Speaker.
The SPEAKER – I will take the supplementary question if you want to continue that.
Dr WOODRUFF – Can the Premier confirm that you have dropped your commitment to bring in those changes this year and that you are wrapping up changes to the Integrity Commission Act with a review of the Integrity Commission –
The SPEAKER – It is not the time to make a speech, Dr Woodruff. I will draw the Premier to the original question.
Dr Woodruff – But it is the question and he seems to be delaying for a review.
The SPEAKER – Thank you, Dr Woodruff. I will draw the Premier to the original question, which was about whether or not these amendments would be introduced in the time that was identified.
Dr Woodruff – This year.
The SPEAKER – Thank you. Premier. It is a very serious matter. I would like us all to pay attention.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I understand the question. We are reviewing to strengthen. I can provide –
Dr Woodruff – You do not need to review. The recommendation has been made.
The SPEAKER – Thank you, Dr Woodruff, you have the supplementary question.
Mr ROCKLIFF – I can provide an update to the House, if you like, on exactly the timeframe, as per your request.
Dr Woodruff – By today?
The SPEAKER – Can I confirm that the question has been taken on notice by the Premier?
Mr ROCKLIFF – Yes, absolutely.
