The Tasmanian Liberal Government is investing an additional $1 million across two specialised, therapeutic sexual assault support services to immediately increase access to intervention supports for harmful sexual behaviours.
Led by the Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) in collaboration with Laurel House and Mission Australia, the Prevention, Assessment, Support and Treatment of Harmful Sexual Behaviours (PAST) program will expand statewide thanks to the additional funding.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said this important investment will support SASS and Laurel House to provide timely therapeutic services to children and young people who need them, regardless of their age, identity or location in Tasmania, including those in youth detention.
"Having access to timely interventions helps protect children who are displaying harmful behaviours and their peers," Premier Rockliff said.
"The funding will immediately increase access to supports for harmful sexual behaviour through SASS and Laurel House that are aligned with best practices in other jurisdictions, as well as increase access of supports for young people in Ashley Youth Detention Centre," Premier Rockliff said.
"It will also enable SASS and Laurel House to utilise their core funding for other therapeutic supports."
SASS acting CEO Sandi Doherty said our small, dedicated workforce provide a highly valued program, but we knew this needed to expand to meet demand.
"We took inspiration from similar organisations who have been delivering harmful sexual behaviour programs in other jurisdictions, when we were working with the Tasmanian Government to expand these essential services in Tasmania.
"This is an important investment in the future of our state. Harmful Sexual Behaviour Programs deliver proven benefits in terms of reduced risk, harm, criminal justice system and service use costs."
The Tasmanian Government has committed to delivering all 191 recommendations outlined by the Commission of Inquiry to ensure Tasmanian children and young people are safe and well.
In the Commission's Final Report, there are 25 recommendations that relate to harmful sexual behaviours, and this additional investment will assist by providing increased timely access to specialist therapeutic interventions for harmful sexual behaviours.
Premier Rockliff said that this action is another important next step and it will not be our last.
"Further actions regarding harmful sexual behaviours will be announced in our Child Sexual Abuse Reform Strategy and Action Plan in July 2024," the Premier said.
"We are working methodically to implement reforms and change culture, ensuring Tasmanian children and young people are protected and kept safe from sexual abuse and harm in Government institutions.
"I want to reiterate my thanks to the victim-survivors and advocates who helped shine a light on the past 22 years of failings and injustices against children and young people."
The Tasmanian Government is committed to working collaboratively across the Parliament to deliver the systemic changes needed to ensure the past is never repeated.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit 1800MySupport.org.au or call 1800MySupport (1800 697 877) to connect with SASS in the South, or Laurel House in the North and North West.
