The deadline for providing information about the former alleged paedophile Tasmania Police officer Paul Reynolds has been extended until the end of this year.
The barrister leading the independent review, which was launched following a Commission of Inquiry into child sexual abuse in Tasmanian schools, hospitals and justice environments, says there has been a “significant uptake” in submissions since the call for them opened in October.
Regina Weiss is calling on witnesses and members of the public “who have experienced or observed grooming and/or sexual abuse by Paul Reynolds or other Tasmania Police personnel” to come forward before December 31.
“I would also like to thank those who have already participated to date for their courage and candour in doing so. Anyone who wishes to be heard, will be heard,” she said.
An interim progress report is set to be submitted to Police Commissioner Donna Adams by the end of January 2024.
Those who wish to make a written submission or register interest in a private session can email [email protected]
Whistleblowers urged to speak out in Tasmania police pedophilia scandal
Witnesses and individuals with information into the alleged Paul Reynolds Tasmania Police pedophilia scandal have been urged to come forward.
An independent review, led by Tasmanian barrister Regina Weiss, into the allegations will begin today following revelations that Senior Sergeant Reynolds was given a full police funeral despite known pedophilia allegations against him.
Submissions from witnesses or the public are open until November 30, with the option to provide information anonymously or in private sessions
Barrister Weiss says individuals are invited to share “knowledge, experiences or information” which relate to Reynolds.
“Any information relating to historical complaints made about Paul Reynolds including to other police officers and the handling of those complaints, is also sought,” Weiss said.
The review will be conducted in a trauma-informed manner and may potentially implicate other police officers in crimes.
“In my experience, victim-survivors should not be compelled to provide evidence in the context of a review of this kind in order to maintain a trauma-informed approach,” she said.
“Anyone who wishes to be heard, will be heard.”
Commissioner Adams has expressed regret over granting Reynolds a police funeral and apologised to all victim survivors and all Tasmania Police staff for the decision.
“As I’ve said previously, the decision to hold a police funeral was a mistake and one we regret,” Adams said
“It’s critical that we learn from our past failings, and do whatever we can to ensure such serious allegations against a police officer are appropriately investigated.”
“As a result, an independent review, headed by Ms Weiss, is now underway to assess whether Paul Reynolds used his position as a police officer to groom young people and commit child sexual abuse.”
