Labor would back an auditor-general investigation into child protection
Jacquie Petrusma in hiding after misleading parliament
The Minister’s position is untenable
Shadow Minister for Child Safety Josh Willie has backed calls for an independent investigation into child protection.
“An in-depth, independent investigation into child protection is needed to give the public confidence,” Mr Willie said.
“We’ve lurched from crisis to crisis under Minister Jacquie Petrusma’s watch and it’s time for much greater transparency. The secrecy needs to end.
“The Minister has been in hiding for more than a month. Her last public statement was released on June 29.
“Two weeks ago it was proven the Minister misled Parliament over children in the care of provider Safe Pathways. The Minister still hasn’t explained why she directly contradicted the clear advice of her own department.
“We’ve heard from a number of current and former child protection workers that politics has been put ahead of the welfare of children.
“An investigation by the auditor-general would be a step towards giving the public confidence in one of the most important arms of government in Tasmania.
“I’ve personally raised the prospect of an investigation with the auditor-general recently.
“We need to shed some light on the current practices in child protection, including the management of contracts, to make sure the safety of vulnerable children is being put first.
“Is appropriate action being taken when concerns are raised? Is public money being spent in the way it was intended to be spent?
“It’s very difficult for the public to have confidence when we have a secretive Liberal Government and Minister in hiding.”
Josh Willie MLC Shadow Minister for Child Safety
