The Office of the State Archives has launched a new application process for individuals who participated in a private session with a Commission of Inquiry and wish to obtain a copy of their own information.
This initiative follows the passage of the Commissions of Inquiry Amendment (Private Sessions Information) Act 2025 through Parliament.
Private sessions are confidential meetings where people can share their experiences with a Commission of Inquiry. The recent Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings (Commission of Inquiry) conducted more than 120 private sessions between 2021 and 2023.
Under the new process, the person who provided information to the Commission of Inquiry, or an authorised representative acting on their behalf, can apply to the State Archivist for access to the information they provided.
Further information and access to the application form can be found on the Office of the State Archivist website.
If you need to talk to someone, support is available from the following organisations:
- Lifeline (24 hours) 131 114
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 · Beyond Blue Webchat Support Service
- Victims of Crime Service 1300 300 238
- Sexual Assault Support Service (24 hours) 1800 697 877
- Laurel House Northern Tasmania (03) 6334 2740
- Laurel House North West Tasmania (03) 6431 9711
- Blue Knot Foundation 1300 657 380
- Child Abuse Prevention Services 1800 688 009
- Strong Families, Safe Kids 1800 000 123
- 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 · Phone and Online Counselling (suicidecallbackservice.org.au)
- MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
- Relationships Australia Tasmania 1300 364 277