A Tasmanian parliamentary hearing has exposed a shocking child safety loophole: for months, Tasmania Police were effectively outside the state’s reportable conduct scheme.

In this episode, we unpack the committee bombshell, what the regulator revealed, and why the failure to report police matters is causing alarm. We also share new listener information and a fresh lead connected to Paul Reynolds that could open another line of investigation.

If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at podshape@proton.me

 

If this episode is triggering, please pause and seek support. 


Lifeline: 13 11 14 — https://www.lifeline.org.au


Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — https://kidshelpline.com.au


1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — https://www.1800respect.org.au

If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at podshape@proton.me

 

 

A Tasmanian parliamentary hearing has exposed a shocking child safety loophole: for months, Tasmania Police were effectively outside the state&rsquo;s reportable conduct scheme.
In this episode, we unpack the committee bombshell, what the regulator revealed, and why the failure to report police matters is causing alarm. We also share new listener information and a fresh lead connected to Paul Reynolds that could open another line of investigation.
If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podshape@proton.me">podshape@proton.me</a>
&nbsp;
If this episode is triggering, please pause and seek support.&nbsp;
<ul data-start="1139" data-end="1515">
<li data-start="1139" data-end="1195">
Lifeline: 13 11 14 &mdash; <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au" data-start="1166" data-end="1193">https://www.lifeline.org.au</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1196" data-end="1261">
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 &mdash; <a href="https://kidshelpline.com.au" data-start="1232" data-end="1259">https://kidshelpline.com.au</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1262" data-end="1328">
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 &mdash; <a href="https://www.1800respect.org.au" data-start="1296" data-end="1326">https://www.1800respect.org.au</a>
</li>
</ul>
If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at <a href="mailto:podshape@proton.me">podshape@proton.me</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

The Child Safety Gap Inside TASPOL

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/5a66bf72-7225-48c2-b454-b42f0035ff8c/transcript

In 2019, a major review into Tasmania’s prosecution system found it was working “satisfactorily.”
A few issues. Some pressure. Nothing the system couldn’t handle.

But what happens when that pressure builds quietly… over time?

Through an RTI-obtained document, a new internal review from 2024 reveals a system under strain  growing case loads, increasing complexity, delays in disclosure, and resources struggling to keep up.

In this episode, we step back from individual cases and examine the system itself  the warning signs, the missed opportunities, and the environment these cases existed within.

 

In 2019, a major review into Tasmania&rsquo;s prosecution system found it was working &ldquo;satisfactorily.&rdquo; A few issues. Some pressure. Nothing the system couldn&rsquo;t handle.
But what happens when that pressure builds quietly&hellip; over time?
Through an RTI-obtained document, a new internal review from 2024 reveals a system under strain&nbsp; growing case loads, increasing complexity, delays in disclosure, and resources struggling to keep up.
In this episode, we step back from individual cases and examine the system itself&nbsp; the warning signs, the missed opportunities, and the environment these cases existed within.
&nbsp;

It Didn’t Break… It Bent

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/0070cd69-6197-42d3-b0c5-b42500599e9b/transcript

********Trigger and Content Warning******* 

This episode contains discussions of alleged abuse, addiction, and trauma. it also contains strong language. Listener discretion is advised. 

If this episode raises anything for you, support services are listed in the show notes.

 

He doesn’t want you to know his name. But he wants you to hear his story.

In this episode, we speak to a man we’re calling X  a former schoolboy, now an adult still carrying the weight of what he says happened to him decades ago.

What begins as a story about football…
about mentorship…
about a trusted figure in a young boy’s life…

slowly unravels into something far darker.

X describes a relationship he says started with trust, encouragement, and validation — before shifting into behaviour he now understands as grooming.

At the time, he says he didn’t question it.He couldn’t.

Because this was someone in a position of power.
Someone respected.
Someone he believed was helping him.

Now, speaking from a rehab facility where he’s trying to rebuild his life, X opens up about the long-term impact the addiction, the mental health struggles, and the years of confusion, shame, and silence.

He also shares why he’s speaking now…
and what he believes others may still be holding onto.

If this episode is triggering, please pause and seek support. 


Lifeline: 13 11 14 — https://www.lifeline.org.au


Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — https://kidshelpline.com.au


1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — https://www.1800respect.org.au

If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at podshape@proton.me

 

********Trigger and Content Warning*******&nbsp;
This episode contains discussions of alleged abuse, addiction, and trauma. it also contains strong language. Listener discretion is advised.&nbsp;
If this episode raises anything for you, support services are listed in the show notes.
&nbsp;
He doesn&rsquo;t want you to know his name.&nbsp;But he wants you to hear his story.
In this episode, we speak to a man we&rsquo;re calling X&nbsp; a former schoolboy, now an adult still carrying the weight of what he says happened to him decades ago.
What begins as a story about football&hellip; about mentorship&hellip; about a trusted figure in a young boy&rsquo;s life&hellip;
slowly unravels into something far darker.
X describes a relationship he says started with trust, encouragement, and validation &mdash; before shifting into behaviour he now understands as grooming.
At the time, he says he didn&rsquo;t question it.He couldn&rsquo;t.
Because this was someone in a position of power. Someone respected. Someone he believed was helping him.
Now, speaking from a rehab facility where he&rsquo;s trying to rebuild his life, X opens up about the long-term impact the addiction, the mental health struggles, and the years of confusion, shame, and silence.
He also shares why he&rsquo;s speaking now&hellip; and what he believes others may still be holding onto.
If this episode is triggering, please pause and seek support.&nbsp;
<ul data-start="1139" data-end="1515">
<li data-start="1139" data-end="1195">
Lifeline: 13 11 14 &mdash; <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au" data-start="1166" data-end="1193">https://www.lifeline.org.au</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1196" data-end="1261">
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 &mdash; <a href="https://kidshelpline.com.au" data-start="1232" data-end="1259">https://kidshelpline.com.au</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1262" data-end="1328">
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 &mdash; <a href="https://www.1800respect.org.au" data-start="1296" data-end="1326">https://www.1800respect.org.au</a>
</li>
</ul>
If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at <a href="mailto:podshape@proton.me">podshape@proton.me</a>
&nbsp;

X - The Reynolds Victim Survivor 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/de023887-0fca-455e-bc83-b41700559aae/transcript

There’s a reason this episode took longer to release.

After our last episode aired, we were contacted by multiple independent sources urging us not to drop the story. What they shared raised new questions we couldn’t ignore.

In this episode, we follow a name that continues to surface in connection with events in Burnie decades ago.

We also examine new figures from Tasmania Police that reveal a growing number of serious internal complaints and a pattern that appears again and again inside the system.

Finally, we reveal the outcome of a Right to Information request seeking documents about a controversial decision involving multiple police deaths.

The department confirmed the documents exist.

But they won’t release them.

 

There&rsquo;s a reason this episode took longer to release.
After our last episode aired, we were contacted by multiple independent sources urging us not to drop the story. What they shared raised new questions we couldn&rsquo;t ignore.
In this episode, we follow a name that continues to surface in connection with events in Burnie decades ago.
We also examine new figures from Tasmania Police that reveal a growing number of serious internal complaints and a pattern that appears again and again inside the system.
Finally, we reveal the outcome of a Right to Information request seeking documents about a controversial decision involving multiple police deaths.
The department confirmed the documents exist.
But they won&rsquo;t release them.
&nbsp;

The Documents They Won’t Release

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/5e2522bd-7b35-4bb5-9166-b40c003bfae9/transcript

****Content Warning:****
This episode discusses alleged child sexual abuse and includes some graphic descriptions drawn from official Commission evidence. The content may be triggering or distressing. We encourage listeners to prioritise their well-being and pause or skip this episode if needed.

This isn’t hindsight. It’s a timeline.

In Episode 14, we go back inside the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and lay out the documented overlap appointments, movements, and professional relationships that now sit beside sworn Commission evidence.

As RTI requests unfold and more insiders come forward, this investigation keeps widening.

Because sometimes the most important question isn’t what happened.

It’s who knew and when.

****Content Warning:**** This episode discusses alleged child sexual abuse and includes some graphic descriptions drawn from official Commission evidence. The content may be triggering or distressing. We encourage listeners to prioritise their well-being and pause or skip this episode if needed.
This isn&rsquo;t hindsight. It&rsquo;s a timeline.
In Episode 14, we go back inside the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and lay out the documented overlap appointments, movements, and professional relationships that now sit beside sworn Commission evidence.
As RTI requests unfold and more insiders come forward, this investigation keeps widening.
Because sometimes the most important question isn&rsquo;t what happened.
It&rsquo;s who knew and when.

The Ceremony Ten Days Later... that has never been shared 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/94dfa1bb-ff05-4dc1-90da-b3fe00549e8d/transcript

In this episode a second current serving police officer comes forward. They attended Reynolds funeral and have their own experience inside Taspol. 

We also explore the links between Reynolds, James Griffin and the U-turn program that ran between 2003- 2013 in Tasmania.   

For clarity Mission Australia delivered the U Turn program as a contracted provider within a government-led youth justice initiative. The allegations discussed in this episode relate to former police officers and individuals, not Mission Australia or its staff. Mission Australia did not employ Paul Reynolds and had no role in supervising his conduct.

In this episode a second current serving police officer comes forward. They attended Reynolds funeral and have their own experience inside Taspol.&nbsp;
We also explore the links between Reynolds, James Griffin and the U-turn program that ran between 2003- 2013 in Tasmania.&nbsp; &nbsp;
For clarity Mission Australia delivered the U Turn program as a contracted provider within a government-led youth justice initiative. The allegations discussed in this episode relate to former police officers and individuals, not Mission Australia or its staff. Mission Australia did not employ Paul Reynolds and had no role in supervising his conduct.

Another Officer Comes Forward 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/edd9b830-bf39-47a6-a369-b3f401830345/transcript

In the this fast tracked new episode, On Thursday Feb 12th - The Greens have called for a Parliamentary Inquiry into theReynolds matter after fresh information from the Badge of Betrayal podcast. 

 

In the this fast tracked new episode, On Thursday Feb 12th - The Greens have called for a Parliamentary Inquiry into theReynolds matter after fresh information from the Badge of Betrayal podcast.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Fresh Calls for a New Reynolds Inquiry - Bonus Episode 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/8eacfb1c-67b0-43ff-8d8e-b3ef0182634b/transcript

Up until now, we haven’t been able to secure an interview with a family member of Reynolds — but in this episode, that changes.

Speaking under the protection of anonymity, a verified source takes us inside the Reynolds family unit, offering rare insight into what was happening behind closed doors.

We also speak with Tom Wallace-Pannell from Maliganis Edwards Johnson, the lawyer representing victim-survivors of Reynolds’ offending across decades in Tasmania. You can contact them here 

Up until now, we haven&rsquo;t been able to secure an interview with a family member of Reynolds &mdash; but in this episode, that changes.
Speaking under the protection of anonymity, a verified source takes us inside the Reynolds family unit, offering rare insight into what was happening behind closed doors.
We also speak with Tom Wallace-Pannell from Maliganis&nbsp;Edwards Johnson, the lawyer representing victim-survivors of Reynolds&rsquo; offending across decades in Tasmania. You can contact them <a href="https://mej.com.au/">here&nbsp;</a>

A Family Member Speaks 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/7b632a67-cdeb-4c2d-ae7d-b3ef0004a433/transcript

This episode exposes how youth sport and positions of authority were used as gateways to abuse in Tasmania for Reynolds and others. 

Through the Weiss Review, survivor testimony, and a firsthand account from a former player, we examine how trust, reputation, and police power created unchecked access to children — and a culture of silence inside change rooms.

We also investigate the U-Turn program and the unresolved questions surrounding those involved.

Mission Australia delivered the U Turn program as a contracted provider within a government-led youth justice initiative. The allegations discussed in this episode relate to former police officers and individuals, not Mission Australia or its staff. Mission Australia did not employ Paul Reynolds and had no role in supervising his conduct.

If this episode is triggering, please pause and seek support. 


Lifeline: 13 11 14 — https://www.lifeline.org.au


Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — https://kidshelpline.com.au


1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — https://www.1800respect.org.au

If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at podshape@proton.me

This episode exposes how youth sport and positions of authority were used as gateways to abuse in Tasmania for Reynolds and others.&nbsp;
Through the Weiss Review, survivor testimony, and a firsthand account from a former player, we examine how trust, reputation, and police power created unchecked access to children &mdash; and a culture of silence inside change rooms.
We also investigate the U-Turn program and the unresolved questions surrounding those involved.
Mission Australia delivered the U Turn program as a contracted provider within a government-led youth justice initiative. The allegations discussed in this episode relate to former police officers and individuals, not Mission Australia or its staff. Mission Australia did not employ Paul Reynolds and had no role in supervising his conduct.
If this episode is triggering, please pause and seek support.&nbsp;
<ul data-start="1139" data-end="1515">
<li data-start="1139" data-end="1195">
Lifeline: 13 11 14 &mdash; <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au" data-start="1166" data-end="1193">https://www.lifeline.org.au</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1196" data-end="1261">
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 &mdash; <a href="https://kidshelpline.com.au" data-start="1232" data-end="1259">https://kidshelpline.com.au</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1262" data-end="1328">
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 &mdash; <a href="https://www.1800respect.org.au" data-start="1296" data-end="1326">https://www.1800respect.org.au</a>
</li>
</ul>
If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at <a href="mailto:podshape@proton.me">podshape@proton.me</a>

Keys to Every Club Room

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/1e9d187d-033c-4f83-8314-b3e6003117ee/transcript

In this episode, we examine how institutions respond when serious allegations emerge inside their own ranks. Drawing on Right to Information documents, parliamentary records and broadcast interviews, we trace the timeline that led to a full police funeral for the late Paul Reynolds in September 2018 at a time when professional standards investigations were already underway. This is not a story about assigning personal blame, but about process, timing and decision-making, and how actions taken in the moment can be judged very differently years later.

If this episode is triggering, please pause and seek support. 


Lifeline: 13 11 14 — https://www.lifeline.org.au


Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — https://kidshelpline.com.au


1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — https://www.1800respect.org.au

If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at podshape@proton.me

In this episode, we examine how institutions respond when serious allegations emerge inside their own ranks. Drawing on Right to Information documents, parliamentary records and broadcast interviews, we trace the timeline that led to a full police funeral for the late Paul Reynolds in September 2018 at a time when professional standards investigations were already underway. This is not a story about assigning personal blame, but about process, timing and decision-making, and how actions taken in the moment can be judged very differently years later.
If this episode is triggering, please pause and seek support.&nbsp;
<ul data-start="1139" data-end="1515">
<li data-start="1139" data-end="1195">
Lifeline: 13 11 14 &mdash; <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au" data-start="1166" data-end="1193">https://www.lifeline.org.au</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1196" data-end="1261">
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 &mdash; <a href="https://kidshelpline.com.au" data-start="1232" data-end="1259">https://kidshelpline.com.au</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1262" data-end="1328">
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 &mdash; <a href="https://www.1800respect.org.au" data-start="1296" data-end="1326">https://www.1800respect.org.au</a>
</li>
</ul>
If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at <a href="mailto:podshape@proton.me">podshape@proton.me</a>

The Briefing Note

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/bc4f03d4-d5ef-4bc6-af9d-b3e0002b4270/transcript

A senior cop. Decades of rumours. A trail of victim-survivors, buried complaints, and a police culture that looked the other way. Badge of Betrayal blows open the true story of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, the high-ranking Tasmanian officer who rose through the force while dark allegations swirled behind him. 

From the producers who brought you Our Little Edey, this series follows the threads others left untouched. As the walls close in, new leads emerge, connections surface, and the line between institutional failure and deliberate protection becomes disturbingly blurred. 

With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades.

A senior cop. Decades of rumours. A trail of victim-survivors, buried complaints, and a police culture that looked the other way. Badge of Betrayal blows open the true story of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, the high-ranking Tasmanian officer who rose through the force while dark allegations swirled behind him.&nbsp;
From the producers who brought you Our Little Edey, this series follows the threads others left untouched. As the walls close in, new leads emerge, connections surface, and the line between institutional failure and deliberate protection becomes disturbingly blurred.&nbsp;
With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades.

With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades.

Badge of Betrayal

A senior cop. Decades of rumours. A trail of victim-survivors, buried complaints and a police culture that looked the other way. Badge of Betrayal blows open the true story of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds the high-ranking Tasmanian officer who rose through the force while dark allegations swirled behind him. 

From the producers who brought you Our Little Edey, this series follows the threads others left untouched. As the walls close in, new leads emerge, connections surface, and the line between institutional failure and deliberate protection becomes disturbingly blurred. 

With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades.

A senior cop. Decades of rumours. A trail of victim-survivors, buried complaints and a police culture that looked the other way. Badge of Betrayal blows open the true story of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds the high-ranking Tasmanian officer who rose through the force while dark allegations swirled behind him.&nbsp;
From the producers who brought you Our Little Edey, this series follows the threads others left untouched. As the walls close in, new leads emerge, connections surface, and the line between institutional failure and deliberate protection becomes disturbingly blurred.&nbsp;
With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades.

Badge of Betrayal

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