❓ Premier Gallop provides an update on the Northbridge curfew, highlighting its positive impact and addressing concerns about repeat offenders and parental responsibility. He contrasts his government's action with the perceived inaction of the Liberal Party.
AnsweredQoN 139Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Can the Premier provide an update on the operations of the Northbridge curfew? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
I am pleased to say that life in Northbridge today is much better than it was before we introduced the curfew. For people who live and work in Northbridge and those who visit to enjoy the area, life is much better today than it was before the curfew. The Northbridge curfew has been in operation for 39 weeks, during which time there have been 837 breaches of the policy involving a total of 465 children. I provide a quick statistical overview of these contacts to the House: 88 per cent involved indigenous children; 66 per cent involved girls; 12 per cent involved children under the age of 13 years; 67 per cent involved children aged 13 to 15; and 21 per cent involved teenagers aged 16 or 17. Of the 465 children apprehended under the policy, the vast majority were apprehended only once. In fact, 92 of the children had no more than three contacts with the police. I am pleased to say that that clearly indicates that they are getting the message; namely, that going to Northbridge unaccompanied by adults is not in their interests. This policy is looking after the welfare of those children. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am pleased to say that life in Northbridge today is much better than it was before we introduced the curfew. For people who live and work in Northbridge and those who visit to enjoy the area, life is much better today than it was before the curfew. The Northbridge curfew has been in operation for 39 weeks, during which time there have been 837 breaches of the policy involving a total of 465 children. I provide a quick statistical overview of these contacts to the House: 88 per cent involved indigenous children; 66 per cent involved girls; 12 per cent involved children under the age of 13 years; 67 per cent involved children aged 13 to 15; and 21 per cent involved teenagers aged 16 or 17. Of the 465 children apprehended under the policy, the vast majority were apprehended only once. In fact, 92 of the children had no more than three contacts with the police. I am pleased to say that that clearly indicates that they are getting the message; namely, that going to Northbridge unaccompanied by adults is not in their interests. This policy is looking after the welfare of those children. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
I am pleased to say that life in Northbridge today is much better than it was before we introduced the curfew. For people who live and work in Northbridge and those who visit to enjoy the area, life is much better today than it was before the curfew. The Northbridge curfew has been in operation for 39 weeks, during which time there have been 837 breaches of the policy involving a total of 465 children. I provide a quick statistical overview of these contacts to the House: 88 per cent involved indigenous children; 66 per cent involved girls; 12 per cent involved children under the age of 13 years; 67 per cent involved children aged 13 to 15; and 21 per cent involved teenagers aged 16 or 17. Of the 465 children apprehended under the policy, the vast majority were apprehended only once. In fact, 92 of the children had no more than three contacts with the police. I am pleased to say that that clearly indicates that they are getting the message; namely, that going to Northbridge unaccompanied by adults is not in their interests. This policy is looking after the welfare of those children. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am pleased to say that life in Northbridge today is much better than it was before we introduced the curfew. For people who live and work in Northbridge and those who visit to enjoy the area, life is much better today than it was before the curfew. The Northbridge curfew has been in operation for 39 weeks, during which time there have been 837 breaches of the policy involving a total of 465 children. I provide a quick statistical overview of these contacts to the House: 88 per cent involved indigenous children; 66 per cent involved girls; 12 per cent involved children under the age of 13 years; 67 per cent involved children aged 13 to 15; and 21 per cent involved teenagers aged 16 or 17. Of the 465 children apprehended under the policy, the vast majority were apprehended only once. In fact, 92 of the children had no more than three contacts with the police. I am pleased to say that that clearly indicates that they are getting the message; namely, that going to Northbridge unaccompanied by adults is not in their interests. This policy is looking after the welfare of those children. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
I am pleased to say that life in Northbridge today is much better than it was before we introduced the curfew. For people who live and work in Northbridge and those who visit to enjoy the area, life is much better today than it was before the curfew. The Northbridge curfew has been in operation for 39 weeks, during which time there have been 837 breaches of the policy involving a total of 465 children. I provide a quick statistical overview of these contacts to the House: 88 per cent involved indigenous children; 66 per cent involved girls; 12 per cent involved children under the age of 13 years; 67 per cent involved children aged 13 to 15; and 21 per cent involved teenagers aged 16 or 17. Of the 465 children apprehended under the policy, the vast majority were apprehended only once. In fact, 92 of the children had no more than three contacts with the police. I am pleased to say that that clearly indicates that they are getting the message; namely, that going to Northbridge unaccompanied by adults is not in their interests. This policy is looking after the welfare of those children. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: A small group of youngsters is consistently breaking the curfew. A number of children have been apprehended eight to 10 times since the commencement of the policy. In fact, one child has been apprehended 14 times. These children clearly need assistance as they are off the rails. They should not be in that area unaccompanied by an adult in an adult entertainment zone. Huge risks are associated with their being there, and they cause major problems for the rest of the community by their presence, sometimes late at night or very early in the morning. Members of this Government are committed to turning these youngsters around. We are not like members of the Liberal Party, who are full of rhetoric about these things, but do nothing. As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
As you know, Mr Speaker, we recently announced extra resources to work with these youngsters and their families to ensure they have opportunities for a better future. Unfortunately, there is also a problem with the family relationships with these youngsters. In some cases, sadly, it appears their parents either have no interest in or do not know their responsibilities. That leads me to our proposal to have parental responsibility orders. When voluntary agreement cannot be reached, the courts will be able to issue an order requiring parents to undertake classes to learn about their responsibilities in our community. We are a Government that follows through on these problems. There was a problem in Northbridge; we have followed through on it, and that has led to a vast improvement in the area. Some unaccompanied youngsters who are apprehended have problems in their families. We are following through with resources to deal with those dysfunctions. The Government has on the table a proposal to have parental responsibility orders. Quite a bit of feedback has been received on that matter, which is available for people to see on our web site. We follow through on the issues. We now have a Government in Western Australia that takes its responsibilities seriously. Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Follows through - is that right? Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: Indeed; that is it. It follows through on the need for electricity reform. It follows through on the need to get a major change to the health system. It follows through on the problems we have seen in our Police Service. This is unlike the Liberals, who swept matters under the carpet. The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
The Government is doing all it can to look after the youngsters in Western Australia who put themselves in an at-risk situation. We will ensure we continue the policy. It is better for the people who live in, work in and visit Northbridge, but, more importantly, it is much better for the youngsters to give them a future based on hope, not the despair into which they were heading.
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