Children and young people in institutional settings will have greater protection following the passing of the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Bill 2022 by the Legislative Council today.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Elise Archer said the Bill establishes a new legally mandated framework — known as the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework — for specific organisations that engage with children and young people.
"We are absolutely committed to ensuring the future protection of our children and young people, and the passing of this legislation is another important step in this commitment, in line with the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse," the Attorney-General said.
"The organisations covered by this legislation will include, but not be limited to, Government Agencies, religious institutions, schools, private tuition services for children, out-of-home care, and justice and detention services for children.
"The Framework will establish clear, legally-mandated parameters that promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people by addressing two key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse: the Child and Youth Safe Standards, and the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
"Organisations will be supported to comply with the Framework in a way that makes sense for them, with guidance materials to be developed that give clear instructions on what organisations need to do to make sure they are following the Framework.
"I again want to expressly acknowledge and thank everyone who has contributed their experiences to both the Commission of Inquiry and the Royal Commission.
"Doing so was an act of enormous courage and selflessness that will help make Tasmania a safer place for all children and young people.
"People with lived experience of child sexual abuse, children and young people, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, community services organisations, business organisations and many others have played a vital role in shaping the Framework to this point.
"Moving forward, these groups will continue to contribute their much-valued expertise to matters related to the Framework's implementation, including how to best raise awareness and knowledge among organisations that will have to comply."
The Framework will come into effect from 2024, with specific organisations required to comply from January and July respectively.
