Governance Review a Step in the Right Direction

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Tasmanian Branch has been horrified by the distressing evidence presented this week during the Commission of Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. However, the ANMF commends the incredible bravery and courage of victim survivors and the ANMF Ward 4K Delegate Will Gordon for speaking out achieving the complete transparency that is required in order to create systemic change.

While nothing can change the trauma for victims of the past and while the evidence this week has been incredibly hard for the entire Tasmanian community, the fact that the Premier today has announced a Governance Review at the Launceston General Hospital prior to the end of the Commission of Inquiry does provide hope for the future.

“While significant work will be required to improve systems and restore confidence in the Launceston General Hospital for staff and importantly, patients, victim survivors and the Tasmanian community, the Governance Review announcement is a step in the right direction,” said ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd.

“The proposed inclusion of clinical staff, victim survivor representatives and independent oversight is welcomed by the ANMF as it will provide a voice to those who have had to fight so hard and display enormous courage to date to get to the point where Governance at the LGH can be reviewed.”

While there is no doubt there is still difficult weeks of evidence to come, the Government’s commitment today, after a week of harrowing evidence, provides hope that positive change can and will be achieved through the Commission of Inquiry and that the LGH can return to an institution that everyone can be proud of.