Media release – Rosalie Woodruff MP, Greens Leader, 17 September 2024
Rockliff Fails to Fund Weiss Recommendations
Just months ago, Jeremy Rockliff said he was committed to the recommendations of the Weiss review, but its shocking to see the State Budget has no funding to deliver his promise.
The Weiss Review was established after repeated calls by the Greens for an investigation into the abuse of children perpetrated by senior police officer Paul Reynolds. Despite some limitations in its scope and powers, the Inquiry nonetheless made important recommendations. The government agreed to implement these, but there’s no funding in the Budget to act on them.
One key recommendation from the Weiss Review was for the government to establish a redress scheme for victim-survivors. This is a critical step, however the Liberals have committed no money to start such a scheme – let alone fund one.
Not only has the Rockliff government failed to move on a redress scheme, they’ve also chosen to keep the Integrity Commission badly underfunded in this budget. This is despite the Commission saying they already struggle under their current low level of resourcing. They have been clear they would need far more support if they’re to take on the critical integrity responsibilities recommended by the Weiss review.
Given the Liberals’ refusal to meet such basic funding needs, we can only conclude they actually want to keep the Integrity Commission weak and unable to do its job. This is a shameful state of affairs.
How can Jeremy Rockliff say he is committed to these recommendations, designed to protect against child sexual abuse, when he’s doing nothing to implement them?
It’s time for an end to hollow words and promises, and for the Premier to take genuine action.
