Minister dodges child protection questions

 Jacquie Petrusma refuses to answer questions in Parliament
 Minister now won’t say when she became aware of serious allegations
 Latest in a series of scandals involving the Minister

Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma has again failed to answer straightforward questions about when she was made aware of serious allegations relating to child protection.

Shadow Minister for Child Safety Josh Willie said a pattern is emerging.

“Time after time the Human Services Minister is being caught out misleading the public and the parliament,” Mr Willie said.

“In Question Time the Minister refused to say when she first was made aware of allegations relating to a foster care provider.

“Originally the Minister said she was alerted to the allegations through an email she read on Friday March 3.

“Jacquie Petrusma later told the Parliament her office found out about the allegations on January 25.

“The Minister has failed to explain the discrepancy.

“It follows events last week when the Minister was forced to correct the record over answers given to the media.

“Four times the Minister was asked of her knowledge of a delayed Right To Information request and four times she failed to give the truthful answer.

“In August 2015 it was revealed that Minister Petrusma was kept in the dark by her department and office for more than two weeks over a scandal involving 151 ignored child protection notifications.

“This is a very concerning pattern of behaviour.

“Minister Petrusma must explain exactly when she became personally aware of the latest series of allegations.”
Josh Willie MLC Shadow Minister for Housing, Disability & Child Safety