Economy
Child protection report fails to answer key questions
Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma has failed to take responsibility for her own failings throughout the child protection crisis on the North West Coast.
The North West Child Protection Services Report only goes part of the way to explaining why 151 babies and children were potentially put at harm.
Shadow Human Services Minister Rebecca White said many questions remain unanswered.
“The report does not clearly state exactly went wrong on the North West Coast,” Ms White said.
“We have been given no update on the 151 children affected by the breakdown and whether any of them have been harmed.
“It also fails to address the massive breakdown of communication that saw the Minister responsible for child protection kept in the dark for three weeks.
“The Minister again tries to dismiss any suggestion that resourcing played a factor in the failure, despite evidence to the contrary.
“The report instead apportions blame to staff in the North West.”
• Jacquie Petrusma: Child protection redesign to deliver better outcomes
• Jacquie Petrusma: Ministerial Statement – Child Protection Services, North-West
• Cassy O’Connor: Child Protection Review Exposes Lack of Resources