New law gives survivors access to their private session information

Individuals who participated in private sessions with a Commission of Inquiry will now be able to access their own information with the commencement of the Commissions of Inquiry Amendment (Private Sessions Information) Act 2025.

Backdated to 1 March 2021, the Act will ensure all individuals who engaged with the former Commission in a private session are able to apply for their own information, should they wish to do so.

Attorney-General, Guy Barnett, thanked all those who came forward to share their lived experiences with Commissions of Inquiry.

“This reform is about empowering survivors and ensuring transparency,” the Attorney said.

“Private sessions were a vital part of the recent Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings, giving people a safe and confidential space to share their experiences.

“Under the new process, those who provided information during a private session, or an authorised representative acting on their behalf, can apply to the State Archivist for access to that information.”

Applications can be made through the Office of the State Archivist website at https://osa.tas.gov.au/private-sessions-information