❓ Opposition Leader Barnett questions Premier Gallop regarding an alleged increase in child abuse cases within state care and accuses the Minister for Community Development of misleading the public. The Premier defends the government's actions and highlights reforms and increased resources.
AnsweredQoN 318Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer the Premier to the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth’s statement on ABC radio this morning that the rate of abuse of children in the care of the State has not increased in recent years. (1) Is the Premier aware that, according to an answer provided by the minister yesterday, there were 88 cases of abuse of children in state care in the past three years compared with 70 cases in the preceding three years, clearly showing an increase in the number of abuse cases in recent years? Mr E.S. Ripper: Do you understand the difference between number and rate? The SPEAKER: Order, minister! Mr C.J. BARNETT: The Premier, the Minister for Community Development and the Minister for Education and Training, who have responsibility for children, might examine the enormous increase in the number of children in care who have been abused. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
(1) Is the Premier aware that, according to an answer provided by the minister yesterday, there were 88 cases of abuse of children in state care in the past three years compared with 70 cases in the preceding three years, clearly showing an increase in the number of abuse cases in recent years? Mr E.S. Ripper: Do you understand the difference between number and rate? The SPEAKER: Order, minister! Mr C.J. BARNETT: The Premier, the Minister for Community Development and the Minister for Education and Training, who have responsibility for children, might examine the enormous increase in the number of children in care who have been abused. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr E.S. Ripper: Do you understand the difference between number and rate? The SPEAKER: Order, minister! Mr C.J. BARNETT: The Premier, the Minister for Community Development and the Minister for Education and Training, who have responsibility for children, might examine the enormous increase in the number of children in care who have been abused. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: Order, minister! Mr C.J. BARNETT: The Premier, the Minister for Community Development and the Minister for Education and Training, who have responsibility for children, might examine the enormous increase in the number of children in care who have been abused. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: The Premier, the Minister for Community Development and the Minister for Education and Training, who have responsibility for children, might examine the enormous increase in the number of children in care who have been abused. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
[The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
(2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
(3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
(1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
(1) Is the Premier aware that, according to an answer provided by the minister yesterday, there were 88 cases of abuse of children in state care in the past three years compared with 70 cases in the preceding three years, clearly showing an increase in the number of abuse cases in recent years? Mr E.S. Ripper: Do you understand the difference between number and rate? The SPEAKER: Order, minister! Mr C.J. BARNETT: The Premier, the Minister for Community Development and the Minister for Education and Training, who have responsibility for children, might examine the enormous increase in the number of children in care who have been abused. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr E.S. Ripper: Do you understand the difference between number and rate? The SPEAKER: Order, minister! Mr C.J. BARNETT: The Premier, the Minister for Community Development and the Minister for Education and Training, who have responsibility for children, might examine the enormous increase in the number of children in care who have been abused. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: Order, minister! Mr C.J. BARNETT: The Premier, the Minister for Community Development and the Minister for Education and Training, who have responsibility for children, might examine the enormous increase in the number of children in care who have been abused. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: The Premier, the Minister for Community Development and the Minister for Education and Training, who have responsibility for children, might examine the enormous increase in the number of children in care who have been abused. Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Several members interjected. Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: It is interesting how this Labor Government denies blatant figures that show an increase in the number of children in care being abused. Perhaps we can pass that document around to the Minister for Community Development. The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: That document can lay on the Table for the balance of the day’s sitting. [The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
[The paper was tabled for the information of members.] Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I will continue with my question. (2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
(2) Will the Premier concede that his Minister for Community Development has resorted to misleading the community, rather than taking any definitive action to remedy what is a horrifying situation in this State? (3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
(3) What action will the Premier take personally to address this issue, because his minister certainly is not taking any? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
(1)-(3) The Government, including the Minister for Community Development, Women’s Interests, Seniors and Youth, shares community concern about the wellbeing of children in state care in Western Australia. I will make a couple of general points. Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. Barnett: Why not? Why not care about the little boys and girls being abused? Why not care about small children who are under your care and that of the minister? The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: It is inappropriate for the Leader of the Opposition, as he well knows, to continually interject to the point at which the Premier cannot answer the question the Leader of the Opposition has just asked. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I remind the House that, first of all, the Government has started on the reform of the outdated 50-year-old legislation, something the Opposition failed to do and then tried to block in this Parliament. Secondly, we are implementing the recommendations of the Gordon Inquiry into Response by Government Agencies to Complaints of Family Violence and Child Abuse in Aboriginal Communities. Thirdly, we have had a significant budget boost with 50 new child protection and care workers throughout Western Australia. Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Mr C.J. Barnett: We hear all the waffle; what are you going to do? Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: That is not waffle; they are specific implementations. In May 2003 the Minister for Community Development became aware of the department’s inadequate practice for the referral of children for independent legal advice when they might have had a claim against the department. The minister directed - Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: I call the member for Nedlands to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: The minister directed the department to establish the duty of care unit within that department. Over the past year, this unit has examined all the relevant systems and identified those children who have been harmed while in the care of the department. Harm is defined as a substantiated child maltreatment allegation, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. This includes abuse by foster carers, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, siblings and others. The Government of Western Australia and the Minister for Community Development are being accountable to the people of Western Australia. That is what we are talking about. The unit has identified that, from 1 July 1993 to 15 March 2004, 253 children were harmed while in state care. The unit has also established a central register and a process to ensure that the director general is notified of any allegation of harm. The unit examines the circumstances surrounding every substantiated allegation, ensures that good practice is being followed and prepares a report that is then referred to the department’s legal branch. The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The unit is working through the cases of every one of the 253 children who have been harmed in care. Thus far, 56 young people have been referred for independent legal advice. I make this point to the Parliament and, through the Parliament, to the people of Western Australia to illustrate the difference between Labor and Liberal: it is significant that 48 of these referrals have occurred since 2001 - 36 of those in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine had been referred for independent legal advice. From 1992 to 2002 the number of children - Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: Order! I am sure that when the Leader of the Opposition was yelling at the Premier he did not hear anything the Premier said. I could not hear over his voice. I call him to order for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Dr G.I. GALLOP: I repeat the point I made - some members of the House do not like to hear it - 48 of those referrals occurred since 2001 and 36 were in the past year. Prior to 2001, under the previous Government, only nine cases were referred for independent legal advice. I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
I repeat the points made by the minister. The number of children in care in the State from 1992 to 2002 has risen. The increase in demand was not matched by an increase in funding to the department. On the contrary, there were no increases in funding by the coalition Government for full-time equivalents to enable the department to provide services to deliver the core functions from the 1980s until the early 2000s. As a result, caseloads carried by departmental caseworkers increased at an unacceptable rate. We are dealing with that issue. The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The Minister for Community Development has taken an interest in this issue, and she has set up systems and processes to make sure the department is working properly. The Government is supporting her by allocating the resources to the department. Let us hope that, added to what the Government and the minister are doing, the Parliament of Western Australia supports those young people through the reform of this legislation, which is needed. I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
I support the Minister for Community Development. The care and concern she has shown on this issue is exemplary, and she will see that no stone is left unturned in ensuring that every young person in this community, particularly those in the care of the State, is properly protected by the State. Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Ms S.E. Walker interjected. The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time.
Explore WA Government Data
Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.
Explore more
Government Gazette
Appointments, regulatory notices, planning changes.
Hansard
Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.