The Tasmanian Government acknowledges the Final Report of Ms Regina Weiss’ Independent Review into Paul Reynolds.
Reynolds was a police officer who used his position of authority to abuse children for decades until he died by suicide in 2018 during a police professional standards investigation into his offending.
Our heartfelt sympathies are with all victim-survivors and particularly those affected by Reynolds’ appalling crimes. We acknowledge their strength and courage.
On behalf of governments past and present we are deeply sorry for this failure.
The Government also recognises the distress the findings of this review will cause for local communities, sporting organisations, and former and serving police officers.
The report notes the firm wish of those who participated in the review for history not to repeat itself and a desire for positive change.
We welcome the findings that much has changed in recent years, but we know that there is still more to be done to rebuild trust. We are committed to this task.
The Government will work closely with Tasmania Police with respect to the report’s recommendations and will consider the advice provided by the Police Commissioner.
We thank Ms Weiss for her important work on this review.
