Sex abuse inquiry launched in Tasmania

A royal commission-style inquiry examining child sexual abuse in Tasmanian government institutions has opened for public submissions.

The Commission of Inquiry was announced by the state government in November after historical abuse allegations were levelled at nurse James Geoffrey Griffin and workers at Ashley Youth Detention Centre. It was formally launched on Thursday.

Public hearings are likely to be held later this year, with a final report and recommendations due by August 2022.

The inquiry will investigate child sexual abuse within the state service and explore ways the government can better protect young people.

"It is devastating that child abuse often happens within the very organisations we entrust to care for, educate and nurture our children," Commissioner Marcia Neave AO said.

About a dozen Tasmanian public servants have been stood down since November pending the investigation of abuse allegations.

The wide-ranging inquiry is expected to cost the state government between $5 million and $10 million, but no cap has been set.

Anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse in government institutions, or has other relevant information, is encouraged to come forward.

Griffin, who has taken his own life, was charged in 2019 with a string of child sex offences including indecent assault and distributing and producing child exploitation material.

An internal Tasmania Police report released in February revealed complaints against Griffin were received in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015.

A lack of information sharing between child safety services and police was to blame for the 2011 allegations of historical abuse not proceeding further, the review found.