A report has emerged from a two-year inquiry into the Tasmanian government's handling of child sexual abuse within its institutions. 

This exhaustive 3,000-page document contains 191 recommendations, but outlines four critical conclusions.

1. Inadequate Response: The Tasmanian government's response to allegations and incidents of child sexual abuse in institutions since 2000 has often fallen short.

2. Safety Concerns: While many Tasmanian government institutions are generally safe for children and young people, some remain vulnerable, demanding enhanced protective measures.

3. Deficient Systems: The government lacks effective systems to address risks and respond to child sexual abuse incidents in institutions.

4. Lack of a Reporting Culture: The government needs to foster a culture that encourages feedback, reporting, monitoring, and reflection when dealing with child sexual abuse incidents.

The report says cases of child abuse still persist, particularly concerning children in out-of-home care, youth detention, and Aboriginal children in institutions. 

The commissioners voiced concerns about institutional inertia, ignorance, and a desire to protect reputational interests that hinder proper responses.

Among the 191 recommendations for reform, key areas include:

1. Empowering Child Advocates: Expanding the authority of the Commissioner for Children and Young People, a new commissioner for Aboriginal children, and a child advocate for those in out-of-home care and detention.

2. Coordinated Response: Establishing a statewide strategy to combat child sexual abuse, implementing age-appropriate sexual abuse education, and streamlining responses to harmful sexual behaviors.

3. Participation and Protection: Involving children, victim-survivors, and service providers in policy design and enhancing mechanisms to protect children in institutions from potential risks.

4. Education and Skills: Ensuring staff and volunteers working with children are adequately trained to identify and respond to child sexual abuse.

5. Monitoring Progress: Introducing an independent monitor to oversee and report on the government's progress in implementing the recommendations.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has pledged to implement all 191 recommendations, and the government's detailed response plan is expected in December. 

The Premier expressed a commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the process, with a dedicated website to inform the community about the government's actions.

The commissioners stressed the urgency of acting on their recommendations, cautioning against treating their report as just another inquiry. They cited previous unaddressed issues in Tasmania's systems and urged a swift and powerful response to prevent further harm to victim-survivors and whistleblowers.

The commission also recommended outsourcing the care of Tasmanian children removed from their parents by child protection authorities. 

Premier Rockliff has accepted this recommendation, but concerns persist regarding potential government accountability.

Critics fear that outsourcing might allow the government to evade responsibility by shifting it to non-government organisations (NGOs). 

However, the commission suggests that some NGOs offer higher standards of care with lower staff-to-child ratios. Some even conduct their own quality audits, raising the possibility of improved child welfare.