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AAP
AAP
Politics
Ethan James

Sexual abuse inquiry reforms delayed after early poll

The inquiry's report outlined many failures over decades in state-run institutions. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

Four priority recommendations from a landmark inquiry into child sexual abuse in Tasmania have been delayed, partly due to the government's early election call.

The inquiry's final report, released in September, outlined a litany of failures over decades in state-run institutions including youth detention, a major hospital and out-of-home care.

The government has pledged to implement the inquiry's 191 recommendations, 48 of which had a July 1 deadline.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff on Thursday revealed four would require "a little extra time". 

"(This is) to ensure that we are doing things in the best way to get the best outcomes for the Tasmanian people," he told state parliament.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff (file image)
Jeremy Rockliff told parliament Tasmania's early election delayed some reforms. (Loic Le Guilly/AAP PHOTOS)

Some of the recommendations were impacted by the suspension of legislative drafting processes during the state election campaign, Mr Rockliff said.

The Liberal government was re-elected in minority in March, after calling a poll more than a year early.

Mr Rockliff said two of 22 state service employees identified as abuse perpetrators had been convicted of criminal charges.

Eight employees resigned prior to internal department investigations starting and four were terminated after such investigations. 

Four investigations remain ongoing, three employees have returned to work after the completion of investigations and one employee has died. 

All alleged perpetrators have been referred to authorities including police. 

One of the delayed recommendations, a one-off funding boost for out-of-home care, will be addressed in the 2024/25 budget to be delivered in September. 

The budget was originally set to be handed down in May.

Two recommendations relate to laws setting up a new Commission for Children and Young People which will administer a reportable conduct scheme.

Reforms to appeals processes for administrative reviews of registration to work with vulnerable people will also be pushed back. 

"By going to an election early the premier has slowed down the implementation of these recommendations. That's a decision he took," Labor leader Dean Winter said.

Signage at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre (file image)
Labor and the Greens have criticised the slow progress in closing Ashley Youth Detention Centre. (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff said there had been chances for the government to boost out-of-home care funding. 

"You had two opportunities, a supplementary appropriation bill last year and a … supply bill," she said. 

"You are now failing to provide the money that is needed to keep children safe."

Mr Winter and Dr Woodruff criticised the government for slow progress in closing Ashley Youth Detention Centre which was described during inquiry hearings as a "monster". 

The inquiry called for the facility to be urgently shut down - the government has said it will do so as soon as possible.

Tasmania's children's commissioner, a union representing centre workers and a social services body recently called for swift action amid a spike in detainees.

Of 42 "non-perpetrator" state employees identified after the inquiry, 17 remain under internal assessment, 12 have resigned and one was sanctioned for breaching a code of conduct.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

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