❓ Question regarding the progress of the Government in appointing child protection workers, particularly in Aboriginal communities, following the Gordon Inquiry recommendations. The Minister details appointments made and processes followed, emphasizing Aboriginal involvement.
AnsweredQoN 1226Legislative Assembly
Asked
23 October 2003
Member
Portfolio
Community Development, Women’s
Interests, Seniors and Youth
QuestionView source ↗
I am pleased to follow up the question from the Evil Knievel of the Parliament. I am concerned to hear the Opposition claim that the Government has not made progress in the appointment of child protection workers in this State. Withdrawal of Remark Ms K. HODSON-THOMAS: I found that comment to be - The SPEAKER: Sit down, member. I direct the member for Riverton to withdraw. Mr A.D. McRAE: I withdraw unreservedly. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.D. McRAE: I ask the minister to inform the House and the State of the progress the Government has made in the appointment of child protection workers. Ms S.M. McHALE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for his question, which gives me the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the Government is progressing the recommendations of the Gordon inquiry in a way that is recognised by many in the Aboriginal community as being respectful, inclusive, effective and in accordance with this Government’s commitment - The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
The SPEAKER: Sit down, member. I direct the member for Riverton to withdraw. Mr A.D. McRAE: I withdraw unreservedly. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.D. McRAE: I ask the minister to inform the House and the State of the progress the Government has made in the appointment of child protection workers. Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, which gives me the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the Government is progressing the recommendations of the Gordon inquiry in a way that is recognised by many in the Aboriginal community as being respectful, inclusive, effective and in accordance with this Government’s commitment - The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
Mr A.D. McRAE: I withdraw unreservedly. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.D. McRAE: I ask the minister to inform the House and the State of the progress the Government has made in the appointment of child protection workers. Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, which gives me the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the Government is progressing the recommendations of the Gordon inquiry in a way that is recognised by many in the Aboriginal community as being respectful, inclusive, effective and in accordance with this Government’s commitment - The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, which gives me the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the Government is progressing the recommendations of the Gordon inquiry in a way that is recognised by many in the Aboriginal community as being respectful, inclusive, effective and in accordance with this Government’s commitment - The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
I thank the member for his question, which gives me the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the Government is progressing the recommendations of the Gordon inquiry in a way that is recognised by many in the Aboriginal community as being respectful, inclusive, effective and in accordance with this Government’s commitment - The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
The SPEAKER: Sit down, member. I direct the member for Riverton to withdraw. Mr A.D. McRAE: I withdraw unreservedly. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.D. McRAE: I ask the minister to inform the House and the State of the progress the Government has made in the appointment of child protection workers. Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, which gives me the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the Government is progressing the recommendations of the Gordon inquiry in a way that is recognised by many in the Aboriginal community as being respectful, inclusive, effective and in accordance with this Government’s commitment - The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
Mr A.D. McRAE: I withdraw unreservedly. Questions without Notice Resumed Mr A.D. McRAE: I ask the minister to inform the House and the State of the progress the Government has made in the appointment of child protection workers. Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, which gives me the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the Government is progressing the recommendations of the Gordon inquiry in a way that is recognised by many in the Aboriginal community as being respectful, inclusive, effective and in accordance with this Government’s commitment - The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
Ms S.M. McHALE replied: I thank the member for his question, which gives me the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the Government is progressing the recommendations of the Gordon inquiry in a way that is recognised by many in the Aboriginal community as being respectful, inclusive, effective and in accordance with this Government’s commitment - The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
I thank the member for his question, which gives me the opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the Government is progressing the recommendations of the Gordon inquiry in a way that is recognised by many in the Aboriginal community as being respectful, inclusive, effective and in accordance with this Government’s commitment - The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
The SPEAKER: Order! I call the member for Nedlands to order for the second time. Initially, I thought it was the two leaders who caused most problems in this place. They are both away and the behaviour in the Chamber today is appalling. There will be much tougher calling to order. We have had a half-hour of question time and we are only part of the way through the sixth question. Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
Ms S.M. McHALE: I apologise for the state of my voice, Mr Speaker. I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
I want people to understand the process adopted. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission regional councils have been involved in determining the locations of all positions, and Aboriginal people have been involved in the selection of every appointment. Although the process has been slower than I would have liked it to be, the alternative is not acceptable to the Government; namely, for the Government to impose its will on the Aboriginal communities, assuming, like in decades gone by, that it knows best. The process adopted is paying off in a very sustainable way. The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
The Department of Community Development was allocated funding last year for 10 child protection workers, and the funding was allocated for the balance of 15 such workers to be appointed during this year. I would like members opposite to listen. To date, 13 child protection appointments have been made. A further two positions have been filled as developmental opportunities in an acting capacity. That is 15 positions. The other 10 have been readvertised and interviews are under way. Funding this financial year was provided for 14 Aboriginal support workers. Eleven letters of appointment have been issued, and training for these appointments begin in November. One position is finalised, and two will be readvertised. Funding was also provided this financial year for 12 workers for the Strong Families project. Ten letters of appointment have been provided - that is, five in the metropolitan area and five in country Western Australia. The other two positions are being finalised. Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
Yes, the process has taken longer than I wanted, but it has been a positive and engaging process with sustainable outcomes. As a result of the process, 23 of the appointments are held by Aboriginal people. This will make a huge difference to the way we engage with Aboriginal communities and their children. I have no doubt that the process followed has been the best process for recruitment and selection of staff to respond to the critically difficult issues in Aboriginal communities. The Government has done it standing side by side with Aboriginal people. To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
To summarise, 15 child protection workers have been appointed; 11 Aboriginal support positions have been recommended for appointment; 10 Strong Family positions have been recommended for appointment; and others are very close to finalisation. The remaining 10 child protection worker positions are being interviewed this week and in the next few weeks.
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