The question raises concerns about the protection of Aboriginal children from sexual abuse, while the answer deflects blame by accusing the opposition of inaction and obstruction on similar issues in the past.

AnsweredQoN 396Legislative Assembly
Asked
24 June 2004
Portfolio
Indigenous Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

I have a supplementary question. I note the minister has not dealt with the substance of the issue, but how can he stand by while Aboriginal children suffering sexual abuse are denied the full protection that all Western Australian children deserve? Mr J.C. KOBELKE

AnswerView source ↗

When there was clear evidence of the abuse of children at the Lockridge camp, this Government acted. When those opposite were in government they turned their faces away and refused to act, and when this Government acted they said, through their spokespeople in the other House, that we should not have done it. The Liberal coalition opposite tried to stop the Government protecting the women and children at the Swan Valley camp. That is on the record. Their behaviour has been disgraceful and continues to be disgraceful, while they seek to make cheap political mileage out of young children who are abused. They should be ashamed of themselves.
Mr J.C. KOBELKE replied: When there was clear evidence of the abuse of children at the Lockridge camp, this Government acted. When those opposite were in government they turned their faces away and refused to act, and when this Government acted they said, through their spokespeople in the other House, that we should not have done it. The Liberal coalition opposite tried to stop the Government protecting the women and children at the Swan Valley camp. That is on the record. Their behaviour has been disgraceful and continues to be disgraceful, while they seek to make cheap political mileage out of young children who are abused. They should be ashamed of themselves.
When there was clear evidence of the abuse of children at the Lockridge camp, this Government acted. When those opposite were in government they turned their faces away and refused to act, and when this Government acted they said, through their spokespeople in the other House, that we should not have done it. The Liberal coalition opposite tried to stop the Government protecting the women and children at the Swan Valley camp. That is on the record. Their behaviour has been disgraceful and continues to be disgraceful, while they seek to make cheap political mileage out of young children who are abused. They should be ashamed of themselves.

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