At Flinders Council, we believe every child and young person has the right to feel safe, respected and cared for. 

The findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings made it clear that many organisations have not done enough in the past to keep children and young people safe. 

These inquiries showed that unsafe cultures and poor practices within organisations not only allowed abuse to occur but also prevented it from being properly reported and addressed. 

Real change requires more than policies and procedures – it requires a cultural shift across our community. 

The Child and Youth Safe Organisations Act 2023 (Tas) sets out mandatory standards to protect children and young people. These standards must be followed by all organisations that work with or provide services to them. 

Flinders Council is fully committed to meeting these requirements. We are taking active steps to build and maintain a culture that is safe, respectful, and responsive, ensuring that children and young people are always protected. 

This page outlines Council’s commitment to child and youth safety and provides links to further information and resources to support other organisations in understanding and meeting their responsibilities under the Act. 

Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework. - https://www.oir.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/809362/Introducing-Tasmanias-Child-and-Youth-Safe-Organisations-Framework-v3-1.pdf 

 

FLINDERS COUNCIL STATEMENT ON CHILD AND YOUTH SAFETY 

All children and young people on the Furneaux Islands have the right to feel safe, to be safe, and to grow up surrounded by care and respect. 

Keeping children and young people safe is everyone’s responsibility. 

At Flinders Council, we are committed to continuously improving the way we engage with, listen to, and care for children and young people. Their voices matter. They want to be heard, to be believed, and to be respected. They bring unique perspectives about their safety, and we will empower them to share their opinions and be part of the decisions that affect their lives. 

We take responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in all our interactions. We will act on our legal and moral obligation to recognise the signs of harm and respond in a timely and appropriate way. 

We recognise that some children and young people may face additional risks of harm. Every child and young person has the right to be respected, feel safe, and be protected from harm, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, culture, religion, economic situation, or family background. 

Flinders Council will maintain strong governance and administrative practices that promote safety and wellbeing, empower children and young people, and work to prevent harm. Where harm has occurred, we will respond with care and take steps to make sure it does not happen again. 

We are committed to creating an environment across the Furneaux Islands where children and young people feel safe, are safe, and know that their voices are valued. 

 

FLINDERS COUNCIL – OUR PROMISE TO CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE  

Every child and young person on the Furneaux Islands has the right to feel safe, happy, and cared for. 

At Flinders Council, keeping children and young people safe is very important – and it’s everyone’s job. 

We promise to: 

• Listen to you – what you say matters. 

• Respect you – you deserve kindness and care, no matter who you are. 

• Protect you – if something feels wrong, we will act to help keep you safe. 

• Include you – your ideas and opinions help shape the community we share. 

Some children and young people may face extra challenges, but every single person deserves the same safety, respect, and chance to grow. 

Our goal is to make sure the Furneaux Islands are a place where all children and young people feel safe, are safe, and know they are valued. 

 

REPORT CHILD SAFE CONCERNS 

Are you under the age of 18? 

If you're worried, unsure, or not feeling safe, there are places you can go for help. Information and advice is available via the link below: 
I’m under 18 – Tell Someone 

Or, you can call the Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line on 1800 000 123 to talk to someone. 

Is a child currently at risk of harm? 

• If there is an emergency where there is immediate risk of harm or a crime is happening now, contact Police by calling 000. 

• If you believe a crime may have been committed, contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Are you concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing? 

The Strong Families Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line is the first place to go: 
📞 1800 000 123 
💻 Online Contact Form Strong Families Safe Kids - Call 1800 000 123 

Anyone can call or make a report online. 

Concerned about child sexual abuse or grooming? 

If you believe a crime has happened, contact: 
📞 Police Assistance Line 131 444 
📞 Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 (anonymous option available) 

To learn more about child sexual abuse and grooming behaviour, visit the Tell Someone website. - Tell Someone 

Concerned about the behaviour of a Flinders Council employee, volunteer, contractor or councillor? 

If you are concerned about the behaviour of a Flinders Council employee, volunteer, contractor, or councillor towards a child or young person, you can report your concerns directly to the Independent Regulator or to Flinders Council in the following ways: 

📞 Call 03 6359 5001 – you will be directed to the Human Resources Manager / General Manager, who is equipped to safely receive your report. 

✉️ Email: [email protected] – including the details of your concern and the person you are concerned about. Access to this email is restricted to the Corporate Services Manager.

 

 

Resources and Support 

The Office of the Independent Regulator oversees Tasmanian organisations that must comply with the Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework. - https://www.oir.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/809362/Introducing-Tasmanias-Child-and-Youth-Safe-Organisations-Framework-v3-1.pdf 

Support is also available via: 

• Strong Families Safe Kids Advice & Referral Line – 1800 000 123 

• Tell Someone website – information on recognising and responding to abuse  

TASMANIA 

• For information about child wellbeing and safety, contact 
  Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line: 

• Phone: 1800 000 123 

• For free and confidential support for people who have been affected by sexual violence, contact the Tasmanian Sexual Assault Support Line (24 hour response state-wide): 

• Phone: 1800 697 877 

This line is run by the Sexual Assault Support Service in the South, and Laurel House in the North West. 

• For information and support for children, young people and adults affected by family violence, contact 
  Family Violence Counselling and Support Service: 

• Phone: 1800 608 122 

• For free and confidential support for people impacted by crime, contact 
  Victims of Crime Service: 

• Phone: 1300 300 238 

• For support for relationships and to live positive lives, contact 
  Relationships Australia Tasmania: 

• Phone: 1300 364 277