Respected Tasmanian barrister, Regina Weiss, has been appointed to provide advice on the establishment of a new centralised unit focussed on improving the timeliness and capability of ED5 investigations in the Tasmanian State Service.
An ED5 investigation examines potential breaches of the State Service Code of Conduct by a state service employee.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced Ms Weiss would provide advice to the Head of the State Service about the newly established Shared Capability and Centralised Investigations Unit, which the Government committed to implementing as part of its Commission of Inquiry response.
"There is nothing more important than keeping our children and young people safe," Premier Rockliff said.
"This new unit creates a more streamlined approach to investigations of serious Code of Conduct breaches, with a priority focus on allegations of child sexual abuse and the finalisation of assessments and investigations relating to the Commission of Inquiry."
Employment investigations involving alleged child sexual abuse are the first type of serious Code of Conduct matters that will be managed by this new central unit.
"Ms Weiss will provide expert advice to assist in the finalisation of assessments and investigations, with an initial focus on matters involving current and former employees of Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
"Increasing the experience and capability across the public service will be another focus for Ms Weiss, helping to improve the timeliness of investigations of serious misconduct matters."
Ms Weiss has commenced her advisory role and will report to the Head of the State Service.
