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Government response easy read resources

Plain English summary

The Tasmanian Government has promised to better protect children and young people from sexual abuse.

The Government made this promise in response to a Commission of Inquiry that investigated child sexual abuse in Tasmanian Government institutions.

The Commission said the inquiry uncovered deep failings in government systems and organisations. The Government said it wants to ensure this never happens again.

The Commission made 191 recommendations and the Government has accepted all of them.

What does this mean for children and young people?

Tasmania’s children and young people will be listened to.

They will be supported and protected.

They will have a say in what changes are needed to better protect them from sexual abuse.

They will be able to safely report sexual abuse without fear.

Every government department will be responsible for making sure sexual abuse does not happen again.

And, if it does happen again, there are people trained to investigate quickly, support victims, and deal with people who have caused harm.

All areas of government will be independently monitored to make sure people and departments do what has been promised.

If there are failures, they will be made public through Parliament.

There is a website for more information: Keeping Children Safe

Already there are many more people being trained to help with children and young people who need support in a way that is kind, considered, proper and safe. Children and young people will be able to trust that, under these changes, they will be listened to, supported, and encouraged to tell their story in safety.

There will be new laws to make sure the welfare of children and young people come first.

These changes will take time, but with every step Tasmania’s children and young people will be protected, nurtured, and believed.

Download the Government Response Summary (PDF)

Young Person version

Making Tasmania Safer for young people

In Tasmania, leaders have made a promise to do more to make sure that children and young people are safe.

This promise came after people who had been hurt, came forward and told other people what happened. This resulted in an investigation, called a Commission of Inquiry, that looked back from now to 22 years ago, and found that governments could have done more to protect and keep children and young people safe.

After this, the Government said the investigation showed mistakes were made. They want to make sure no children and young people are hurt like this again.

What does this mean?

Whether you’re at school or doing activities out of school like drama or dance or sport, or going to the doctor, the adults around you have rules they must follow to keep you safe. The government has said they will do more to make sure every child and young person in Tasmania is safe and has help if they need it.

To do this, they have promised:

  • Children and young people in Tasmania have a voice and will be heard if they need to tell an adult if they don’t feel safe
  • Children and young people who need it, will get help and protection
  • You can share your ideas on how the government can do things better to keep you safe
  • Every part of the government will work to better protect children and young people from harm.
  • If something does happen, there are people trained ready to help right away, support you if you need it, and keep you and other people safe from anyone who has done the wrong thing
  • You can tell someone if something happens, without being worried or scared
  • There will be checks to make sure the government keeps its promise to protect children and young people.
  • There's a website with lots of information - Keeping Children Safe
  • More adults are being taught how to make sure they can help and protect children and young people, and make sure they can trust that they will be listened to, helped, and safe to tell their story.

These changes might take some time, but they will help keep children and young people in Tasmania safe and cared for.

What's being done?

The government has a plan to make sure every child in Tasmania feels safe and supported. This plan includes:

  • Listening to You: Children and young people will be heard.
  • Help and Protection: If you're in trouble or feel unsafe, there are people ready to help and protect you.
  • Your Ideas Matter: You can share your thoughts on how to make things safer for children and young people.
  • Preventing Harm: Every part of the government is working to protect children and young people.
  • Immediate Help: If something does happen, there are special helpers to support you quickly and keep you safe.
  • Safe to Speak Up: You can tell someone about any harm without being afraid.
  • Checking on Promises: There will be checks to ensure the government is keeping its promise to protect children and young people.
  • More Information: The Keeping Children Safe website has all the information you need.
  • Training Adults: More adults are learning how to help and protect children and young people, making sure children and young people feel listened to and safe.

Making Changes

It might take a little time to see all these changes, but they're all about making sure you and other children and young people in Tasmania are safe and well-cared for.

Download the Young Person version (PDF)

Children version

Making Tasmania Safer for Kids. . .

What is this about?

  • In Tasmania, leaders have made a big promise to do more to make sure that children and young people are safe.
  • This promise came after some people were brave and told other people what happened.
  • A big investigation looked back at the past 22 years. It showed that governments could have done more to protect children and young people and keep them safe.
  • The Government said the investigation showed mistakes were made and that he wants to make sure no child is hurt like this again.

What does this mean?

  • The Government has said it will do more to make sure every child in Tasmania is safe and has help if they need it.
  • Adults who take care of you have to follow special rules to keep you safe. This helps make sure you are always protected.
  • Whether you’re at school or doing activities out of school like drama or dance or sport, all adults must follow these rules to keep you safe.

What has the government said they will do?

  • Children and young people in Tasmania have a voice and will be heard if they need to tell an adult if they don’t feel safe.
  • Children and young people who need it, will get help and protection
  • You can share your ideas on how the Government can do things better to keep you safe.
  • Every part of the Government will work to make sure bad things don’t happen to children and young people.
  • If something bad does happen, there are people ready to help right away. They will support you if you need it, and keep you and other people safe from anyone who has done the wrong thing.
  • You can tell someone if something bad happens, without being scared.
  • There will be checks to make sure the Government keeps its promise to protect children and young people.
  • There's a website with lots of information.
  • More grown-ups and adults are being taught how to make sure they can help and protect children and young people, and make sure that they can trust that they will be listened to, helped, and safe to tell their story.

Download the Children version (PDF)