Jacqui Lambie should report any information she has about alleged child sexual abuse by police at St Helens or retract comments she made in the Senate, the police union says.
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Senator Lambie spoke in the Senate on July 2 about the death of teenager Eden Westbrook at St Helens in 2015.
The Senator mentioned allegations of child sexual abuse by police officers at the East Coast town during that period.
Police and a coroner believed the 15-year-old's death was by suicide.
Her family believes she was murdered.
Senator Lambie called for a public inquest to be held.
She suggested facts about Eden's death might have been covered up by some police officers.
The Tasmanian crossbench Senator said she believed Eden was probably murdered.
"It is my worry that there is a small number of rotten apples in the Tasmanian police who appear to have engaged in a cover-up," she said.
She said there appeared to have been gaping holes in the police investigations.
The Police Association of Tasmania essentially called for Senator Lambie to put up or shut up.
"These are incredibly grave allegations that have been made to a collective cohort of Tasmania Police, without any reference to evidence," Police Association of Tasmania president Shane Tilley said.
"If Senator Lambie has such evidence, it is incumbent upon her to leave the comfort of parliamentary privilege and take them to Tasmania Police.
"If Senator Lambie does not have such evidence, then she should reflect upon the damage unsubstantiated claims of this nature can cause, and she should publicly retract her statement."
The police association said failing to report abuse was a crime under Tasmanian law.
A response was being sought from Senator Lambie at the time of writing.
Late paedophile policeman Paul Reynolds was one of the overseers of the investigation of Eden's death.
In 2016, coroner Olivia McTaggart said: "I am satisfied that Constable Clinton Porter conducted the investigation competently."
"His investigation was overseen and reviewed by Senior Sergeant Justin Bidgood.
"Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, of the Launceston Coroner's Office, also provided regular oversight and direction during the investigation period at my request."
In her record of investigation, Ms McTaggart said: "I am satisfied that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Eden's death or that any other person was involved."
Support is available for those who may be distressed:
- Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 697 877; Lifeline 13 11 14; Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491; beyondblue 1300 224 636; Blue Knot Foundation 1300 657 380
Sean Ford
The Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics, politics, crime.
The Advocate Newspaper, Tasmania. Business, economics, politics, crime.
