CHILD PROTECTION REPONSE POSITIVE STEP FORWARD

But Reform Momentum Must Pick Up the Pace

The Tasmanian Greens today said that the formal response to the Select Committee into Child Protection report was a solid step forward, but warned that it did not mean the pressure could ease off on the need to drive necessary reforms.

Greens Children’s spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP, who was Chair of the Select Committee into Child Protection, said that a key finding of the Committee’s report was the need for a whole of government approach and this needed to be at the forefront of any meaningful response from the Minister.

“The governance model proposed in the Minister’s response to the Committee’s report delivers on the intent of the Committee’s recommendations, and while this is a significant step forward it is not an end in itself,” MR O’Halloran said.

“The momentum for reform must now pick up pace, and the pressure for this to be prioritised needs to be maintained.”

“Breaking down the silos within and between responsible government departments is crucial to ensure children don’t fall between the gaps, as well as ensure efficient targeting and delivery of resources where they are needed.”

“Boosting the role of the Ombudsman, as well as clarifying the role of the Commissioner for Children are important steps towards strengthening the oversight capacity of these independent Statutory bodies. The Greens expect that any increase in responsibility to either role should be adequately resourced.”

“Another crucial area of reform is the commitment to review the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act to ensure it reflects modern child protection practice as well as meets current community expectations.”

“The Greens recognise the work that has gone into developing this detailed response, but we warn that the pressure cannot be released, and now the new Cabinet Sub-committee and Interdepartmental Committee must get cracking on the implementation detail.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Children’s spokesperson Tuesday, 15 May 2012