Tasmania advocates demand independent oversight for police abuse probes

Domestic violence advocates are calling for the creation of an independent oversight body to investigate police officers accused of family and sexual violence. Alina Thomas, chief executive of Engender Equality, has urged Tasmania Police to relinquish its authority to conduct internal probes into such allegations.

Thomas cited systemic power imbalances, noting that officers could use internal databases, professional networks, or surveillance to retaliate against survivors. She argued that internal investigations leave victims isolated and fearful, as officers may manipulate reporting pathways or portray survivors as unreliable to their colleagues.

In a submission to a committee, Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams acknowledged that allegations of family and sexual violence ‘warrant a particularly independent response’. The force expressed support for a strengthened and properly resourced Integrity Commission with the legislative authority to conduct independent investigations.