Mr Sam Tatarka, OAM will be undertaking an independent review of whether there are appropriate grounds to require any Public Officers, who received a grant of legal assistance pursuant to Employment Direction No. 16 Indemnity and Legal Assistance, or whose legal fees were otherwise paid by the Crown, in the course of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings to reimburse the Crown for reasonable costs and expenses.
The review will inquire into, report on and make recommendations in relation to the following matters:
- Whether any of the Public Officers whose legal assistance was paid for by the Crown (provided by external legal providers) in the course of the Commission did not act in good faith in carrying our his or her official or employment functions or duties, or in compliance with their obligations under the ED 16 policy framework.
- Whether it is reasonable for the Crown to seek a reimbursement of legal costs from any of the Public Officers identified above; and
- Any associated relevant matters.
A final report is to be submitted to the Attorney-General, on behalf of Government, at the conclusion of the review. The outcomes of the review and the recommendations will be made public, as permitted by law.