The state government has moved to reassure victims of sexual assault and domestic violence that specialised forensic medical services remain available at all major hospitals, following concerns about staff shortages.
Health Minister Bridget Archer faced questions in parliament on Tuesday from independent Bass MP George Razay, who cited recent reports raising doubts about the availability of trained forensic medical examiners.
Razay pointed to Tasmania’s Third Family and Sexual Action Plan, which commits to having forensic medical examiners available at the Royal Hobart, Launceston General and North-West Regional hospitals.
“Can the [minister] give assurance to the house and to Tasmania that victim survivors will have access to all these services in their local hospital and that there will be no cut in these services in the future?” he asked.
Archer said the government remained “committed to providing trauma-informed care and treatment to anyone who experiences sexual harm and family violence”.
She said the sexual assault examination service operates through on-call arrangements outside of normal hours, with staff available from 5pm to 8am in northern Tasmania.
In the north-west, she said appropriately trained staff also provide after-hours coverage.
The service is staffed by medical officers, nurses and midwives who complete highly specialised training in forensic examinations – training Archer said is essential to ensuring sensitive care while also meeting legal evidence standards.
While acknowledging workforce pressures, the minister said the Department of Health was “actively exploring all possible avenues” to train additional staff in the specialised field.
“I can assure everyone in the community that there will be absolutely no cuts to these important services, nor will anyone be forced to travel to other hospitals to access them,” Archer said.
“Please be assured that anyone who presents to our hospitals to seek treatment will always be provided with the care and support that they need.”
Sexual assault support services:
Sexual Assault Support Service (Tasmania): 1800 697 877
1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
Sexual Assault Counselling Australia: 1800 211 028
Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors): 1800 272 831
Other helplines:
Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Tasmania’s Victims of Crime Service: 1300 300 238
