Badge of Betrayal

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.
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Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of alleged child sexual abuse and institutional violence. Some content may be distressing. Listener discretion is advised. Support resources are listed in the show notes.
In this episode of Badge of Betrayal, we return to Alysha, the whistleblower who helped expose abuse at Tasmania’s Ashley Youth Detention Centre.
For the first time, we also hear from a former detainee, now an adult, who speaks anonymously about his experiences inside the centre. His voice has been altered and identifying details removed.
This conversation was approached with care, expert guidance, and a clear public-interest purpose. It explores power, accountability, and the lasting impact of institutional failure while centring the courage it takes to speak when silence once felt safer.
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 [email protected]
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven referrals. Five known to police before 2024. Two still active. As insiders speak anonymously and integrity reforms are proposed, the question remains: does Tasmania need a Commission of Inquiry to uncover what still hasn’t been told?
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If this episode has raised difficult feelings for you, support is available:
You can have your say on the Integrity Commission Amended Bill Proposal here
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we examine how Paul Reynolds’ police honours funeral was approved.
Through Right to Information documents, we look at how the decision was made, who was involved, and what was known at the time. The episode also returns to the final sitting day in Parliament, where Dr Rosalie Woodruff raised further questions about unresolved issues surrounding Reynolds and the institutional response to his conduct before and after his death.
Using official records and parliamentary proceedings, this episode continues our examination of how decisions were made and why key questions remain unanswered.
This episode references extracts from official Right to Information documents and parliamentary proceedings. These materials are presented for context only. No wrongdoing is alleged
If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at [email protected]
If you’d like to hear episodes ad-free and early, subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts.
If this episode has raised difficult feelings for you, support is available:
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


See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

****A content warning before we begin: this episode contains references to suicide and suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised. Help is available below *******
In this episode, we uncover the hidden financial secrets of Paul Reynolds, from alleged theft from his own mother to casino withdrawals, gambling debts, and desperate pleas for fast cash just days before his death. As the timeline tightens, disturbing questions emerge about where the money went, who Reynolds was connected to, and what police knew and when.
This chapter takes us through the night of the raid on Reynolds’ home, the procedural failures that followed, and the chilling final hours that ended his life, revealing a system riddled with missed opportunities and unanswered questions.
If you have information that you would like to share, email us anonymously at [email protected]
If you’d like to hear episodes ad-free and early, subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts.
If this episode has raised difficult feelings for you, support is available:
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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.