❓ Opposition Leader Ripper questions Premier Barnett on the government's actions following the release on bail of an alleged child sex offender in Broome. Barnett deflects, criticizes the previous government's child protection record, and suggests Ripper should have provided advance notice.
AnsweredQoN 797Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST CHILDREN — PERPETRATOR BAIL CONDITIONS
I quote the Attorney General, who earlier stated in this chamber that he would restate this government’s determination to ensure that individuals who are victims of sexual assault receive a very clear message that their issues and experiences are important and deserve the highest level of care. I refer to the very distressing reports in The Australian about the case of a four-year-old Broome girl who was allegedly raped by a man who only six weeks earlier had been released on bail after being charged with child sex offences. (1) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure the safety of the children of Broome following the release on bail of this alleged serial sexual predator? (2) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure that the bail conditions set by the judge were properly enforced? (3) Will the government now commit to changing the law to ensure that those charged with serious sexual offences against children are not eligible for bail? (4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT
I quote the Attorney General, who earlier stated in this chamber that he would restate this government’s determination to ensure that individuals who are victims of sexual assault receive a very clear message that their issues and experiences are important and deserve the highest level of care. I refer to the very distressing reports in The Australian about the case of a four-year-old Broome girl who was allegedly raped by a man who only six weeks earlier had been released on bail after being charged with child sex offences. (1) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure the safety of the children of Broome following the release on bail of this alleged serial sexual predator? (2) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure that the bail conditions set by the judge were properly enforced? (3) Will the government now commit to changing the law to ensure that those charged with serious sexual offences against children are not eligible for bail? (4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(1) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure the safety of the children of Broome following the release on bail of this alleged serial sexual predator? (2) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure that the bail conditions set by the judge were properly enforced? (3) Will the government now commit to changing the law to ensure that those charged with serious sexual offences against children are not eligible for bail? (4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(2) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure that the bail conditions set by the judge were properly enforced? (3) Will the government now commit to changing the law to ensure that those charged with serious sexual offences against children are not eligible for bail? (4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(3) Will the government now commit to changing the law to ensure that those charged with serious sexual offences against children are not eligible for bail? (4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(1) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure the safety of the children of Broome following the release on bail of this alleged serial sexual predator? (2) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure that the bail conditions set by the judge were properly enforced? (3) Will the government now commit to changing the law to ensure that those charged with serious sexual offences against children are not eligible for bail? (4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(2) What actions did the Premier’s government take to ensure that the bail conditions set by the judge were properly enforced? (3) Will the government now commit to changing the law to ensure that those charged with serious sexual offences against children are not eligible for bail? (4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(3) Will the government now commit to changing the law to ensure that those charged with serious sexual offences against children are not eligible for bail? (4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(4) How long before the Premier can guarantee that the children of Broome are safe in their houses and on local streets? Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT replied: (1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
(1)-(4) The Leader of the Opposition has asked a question about what sounds like a very tragic case of an assault on a very young girl in Broome. I do not know the details of the case. I would have thought that if the Leader of the Opposition were genuine about seeking information, he would have given me or the Attorney General some forewarning of his question, and perhaps have addressed the question to the Attorney General. He did not do that, so I think he has just wasted a question. This is obviously a very serious issue. Time will tell that this government is paying far more effective attention to child protection than the previous government ever dreamt of. Members opposite should just look at the number of children who came to the attention of the Department for Child Protection but died under the watch of the previous government. It was more than 100, was it not? That is the record. Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Ms R. Saffioti : You’re a disgrace. Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : It was a disgraceful record, member for West Swan; I agree. Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Ms R. Saffioti : No, you’re disgraceful. Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
Mr C.J. BARNETT : That was the record of the previous government. The minister now responsible, Hon Robyn McSweeney, is making the hard decisions and directing her department in ways that the previous government was not prepared to do. Every case of abuse of a child, whether it is physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse or neglect, is indefensible. Sadly, it occurs to children who have come to the attention of the state; it occurs in domestic situations amongst family, neighbours and so-called friends. This government is taking a strong stance and devoting resources to this issue. With respect to the particular case raised by the Leader of the Opposition about the little girl in Broome, I do not know the details of the case. I suggest that if the Leader of the Opposition wants accurate information, he should put the question on notice.
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