This episode is a dive into some high profile cases that made headlines in Tasmania over the past few decades. There were rumours of organised pedophilia as early as the 1970s and politicians calling for a Royal Commission into alleged rings of predators in 2003. These cases inform some of the ongoing concerns around organised child sexual abuse in Tasmania - and calls for a thorough review into the issue are only getting louder.

What needs to happen to get some answers?

Some key people we refer to in this episode of the podcast and who they are:

John Bednall - former Hutchins School principal

Sebastian Buscemi - Tasmanian abuse lawyer and board member Laurel House

Kathryn Fordyce - CEO Laurel House sexual assault support service in Tasmania’s north

Michael Hodgman - late Tasmanian defense barrister and politician from the 90s, 00s

Paul Reynolds - late Snr Sgt Tasmania Police. Subject of 2024 police inquiry into his offending

Michael Salter - University of NSW Professor, academic, expert witness in child sexual abuse

Grace Tame - former Australian of the Year 2021 and child sexual abuse survivor/ advocate

Rosalie Woodruff - Tasmania Greens leader in March 2024

Acronyms and other reference points:

COI - The 2023 Commission of Inquiry into Tasmanian Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Royal Commission - the 2014 Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Important information for survivors:

Tasmania Police are ready to deal with reports that relate to any criminal activity, historic or ongoing, but only those that include other perpetrators. Call them on 131 444

Anyone struggling with their mental health and feelings of suicidal ideation or depression can call LIFELINE AUSTRALIA 13 11 14

Locals can reach Launceston counselling service Laurel House https://laurelhouse.org.au/

Send any tips or information to thenursepodcast@protonmail.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 | Organised Crime

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