Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

We are responding to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to ensure we are an exemplary child safe organisation.

  • We have accepted all state education-related recommendations and are working to address them all.
  • We are fully committed to making our schools safe and we take the safety of children and young people extremely seriously.
  • The content on this webpage may be distressing for some people. Information on where to seek support is at the bottom of the page.
  • If you have information in relation to child sexual abuse, we strongly encourage you to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.
  • Supporting children and young people is our number one priority. If your child or your family needs support in relation to this matter, please contact your school.

Tasmanian Government Commission of Inquiry

Extension of Commission of Inquiry reporting deadline

The Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings has requested an extension to its final reporting date.

The Commission was due to provide its final report by 1 May 2023 but will now report by 31 August 2023.

Further information is available on the Commission of Inquiry’s website (external website).

There is help available if anything associated with the Commission of Inquiry or the extension to its reporting date raises issues for you or someone around you.

The Tasmanian Government has provided additional resources to the Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) and Laurel House to provide support to victim-survivors of institutional child sexual abuse in Tasmania or Tasmanian State Service employees affected.

SASS provides a 24 hour crisis response and information/support service which can be accessed by telephoning 1800 MYSUPPORT (1800 697 877).  

This is a state-wide number for the whole of Tasmania and calls will automatically be directed to a trained professional in the region closest to you.

You can also reach out to the following crisis services:

Office of Safeguarding Children and Young People

The Office of Safeguarding Children and Young People is leading the Department’s work to safeguard the rights of all children and young people to have an education, to be heard, and to be kept safe from harm.

This includes guiding the implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (RCIRCSA).

RCIRCSA released its final report in December 2017 and the Tasmanian response was tabled in Parliament in June 2018.

We have accepted all 23 education-related recommendations and are working to address them all.

We are deeply sorry for the past abuse in our schools, and apologise to the victims and survivors. We commit to making our schools safe and take the safety of children and young people seriously.

The recommendations provide us with a nationally consistent approach to improving our practices.

For more information, read the Progress Report on the RCIRCSA Recommendations Implementation. 

Independent Inquiry into the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The Office is also working to respond to recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Where to seek support

If this information causes you distress or raises questions or concerns, options for advice and support include:

Beyond Blue – Call 1300 224 636 or visit the Beyond Blue website
Mental health and wellbeing organisation supporting those affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.

1800 Respect – Call 1800 737 732 or visit the 1800 Respect website
Support and information for anyone affected by sexual assault, or domestic or family violence.

Lifeline – Call 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.

Sexual Assault Support Service Inc (SASS) – Call 03 6231 1811 / 03 6231 0044 or visit the SASS website
Southern-based community service organisation providing support and information to survivors of sexual abuse.

Laurel House – Call 03 6334 2740 / 03 6431 9711 or visit the Laurel House website
Northern and north-western-based sexual abuse and sexual assault support service.

Knowmore – Call 1800 605 762 or visit the Knowmore website
Free legal advice for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

Employee Assistance Program
Department for Education, Children and Young People staff can access the Employee Assistance Program, Newport & Wildman, by phone on 1800 650 204 or by email at admin@newportwildman.com.au