Woolcott Review

Woolcott Review recommendations referred to the Implementation Monitor

On 18 August 2026, recommendations from the Independent Review into the actions taken in response to the information and concerns raised by the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings (the Woolcott Review) were referred to the Child Safety Reform Implementation Monitor for monitoring, review and evaluation.

The recommendations referred under section 13 of the Child Safety Reform Implementation Monitor Act 2024 are those that the Tasmanian Government has supported, supported in part or supported in principle.

The Implementation Monitor will independently monitor, review and evaluate implementation of the referred recommendations, including progress, the effectiveness of actions taken, and whether they are contributing to the intended reform.

Peter Woolcott AO said:

“The referral of the Woolcott Review recommendations to the OIM is a significant and welcome development and it reflects the importance of independent oversight in embedding lasting change.  I look forward to seeing these recommendations translate into real, sustained improvements to child safety.”

Robert Benjamin added:

“I congratulate Peter and Radha on delivering such a high-quality and instructive report, and I thank the Government for the referral and ongoing proactive discussions with me to ensure transparency and accountability in overseeing their effective implementation.”

Read the OIM media release: Woolcott Review recommendations referred to Implementation Monitor (PDF, 359.4 KB)

About the Woolcott Review

The Woolcott Review was established in November 2023 and led by former Australian Public Service Commissioner Peter Woolcott AO, with support from Radha Sharma (Thomas).

The Review examined actions taken in response to the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.

The Review's work was undertaken in the context of the Commission of Inquiry's findings and recommendations and sought to contribute to systemic change and to future-proof the system against similar failures occurring again. In his Foreword to Part A, Mr Woolcott described the Review's focus as being on justice and achieving systemic change to the Tasmanian State Service.

The Review was published in two parts:

Part A

Part A examined matters including:

• the employment framework and employment directions;
• culture within the Tasmanian State Service;
• oversight and regulatory agencies;
• disciplinary matters; and
• information sharing.

The Review's recommendations in Part A include changes to the State Service Act 2000, employment directions, workplace investigations, employee conduct, information sharing, regulatory oversight and arrangements relating to child safety and wellbeing.

Part A was tabled in the Tasmanian Parliament in November 2025.

Part B

Part B focused on the justice system and, in particular, matters raised by the Commission of Inquiry concerning civil litigation and the role of the Solicitor-General.

The Review considered the settings and arrangements that guided the constituent parts of Tasmania's justice system, including their interaction with other parts of the State Service, with a specific focus on child sexual abuse matters.

Part B considered matters including the conduct of civil litigation in child sexual abuse matters, legal advice in relation to child sexual abuse issues, and the independence of oversight and regulatory agencies.

Part B was tabled in the Tasmanian Parliament in December 2025.

The Woolcott Review and the Commission of Inquiry

The Woolcott Review forms part of the broader reform work arising from the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.

The Review sought to build on the work of the Commission of Inquiry and contribute to systemic change. The Review notes that the protection and safety of children is at the heart of this work and that further work is required to ensure lasting change.

Part B similarly identified the importance of the justice system in responding to child sexual abuse and noted that the arrangements considered in the Review formed part of the broader package of considerations needed to ensure the wellbeing and safety of children in Tasmanian State institutions.

Monitoring the referred recommendations

The recommendations referred to the Monitor will form part of the OIM's ongoing monitoring, review and evaluation work.

The Monitor will consider not only whether actions have been completed, but whether implementation is effective and contributing to the intended reform outcomes.

The referred recommendations were received after the reporting period for the Monitor's 2025–26 Annual Report, which closed on 30 June 2026. They will therefore be considered in the Monitor's 2026–27 Annual Report.

Documents and further information

Terms of Reference: Woolcott Review Terms of Reference

Woolcott Review:     Woolcott Review Report – Part A

Woolcott Review Report – Part B

Tasmanian Government response to the Woolcott Review: Tasmanian Government Response – Woolcott Review

Further information about the Monitor’s Implementation Framework can be found here: Implementation Framework | Child Safety Monitor