❓ Dr. Constable questions the Premier about substantiated child maltreatment cases under state care, demanding accountability and an inquiry. The Premier defends the Minister, citing increased transparency and ongoing efforts to address the issues.
AnsweredQoN 522Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I remind the Premier that since the Gallop government was elected in 2001 at least 139 cases of substantiated maltreatment of children in the protection and care of the state have been reported, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. (1) Will the Premier now take responsibility for this appalling situation and dismiss the Minister for Community Development? (2) If not, how can he justify this minister’s remaining in this portfolio when she has failed so miserably to protect so many vulnerable children? (3) Will the Premier call an urgent, independent and public inquiry into the failure of the Department for Community Development to protect children in its care? (4) If not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
(1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(1) Will the Premier now take responsibility for this appalling situation and dismiss the Minister for Community Development? (2) If not, how can he justify this minister’s remaining in this portfolio when she has failed so miserably to protect so many vulnerable children? (3) Will the Premier call an urgent, independent and public inquiry into the failure of the Department for Community Development to protect children in its care? (4) If not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(2) If not, how can he justify this minister’s remaining in this portfolio when she has failed so miserably to protect so many vulnerable children? (3) Will the Premier call an urgent, independent and public inquiry into the failure of the Department for Community Development to protect children in its care? (4) If not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(3) Will the Premier call an urgent, independent and public inquiry into the failure of the Department for Community Development to protect children in its care? (4) If not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(4) If not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(1) Will the Premier now take responsibility for this appalling situation and dismiss the Minister for Community Development? (2) If not, how can he justify this minister’s remaining in this portfolio when she has failed so miserably to protect so many vulnerable children? (3) Will the Premier call an urgent, independent and public inquiry into the failure of the Department for Community Development to protect children in its care? (4) If not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(2) If not, how can he justify this minister’s remaining in this portfolio when she has failed so miserably to protect so many vulnerable children? (3) Will the Premier call an urgent, independent and public inquiry into the failure of the Department for Community Development to protect children in its care? (4) If not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(3) Will the Premier call an urgent, independent and public inquiry into the failure of the Department for Community Development to protect children in its care? (4) If not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(4) If not, why not? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: (1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(1) No. (2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(2) There is no doubt that many of the issues that have been brought to the surface and are being properly analysed in Western Australia today are before us because of the minister’s actions. The minister has made it clear that there should be a lot more transparency in these matters, and a much better system of monitoring, so that any abuse is immediately uncovered and action taken. I applaud the minister for the steps she has taken to ensure transparency in this area. There are probably many illustrations of that, but perhaps the best illustration is the results that emerged from the Gordon inquiry. (3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
(3) The minister has taken external advice on these issues. She has established an advisory group to make sure that all the issues relating to child welfare are properly addressed within our government system. It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
It is very easy for the member for Churchlands to ask a question and to link it into the area of ministerial responsibility. Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Several members interjected. Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : Do members opposite want me to answer the question? Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Mr T.R. Sprigg : You never do, so why bother? Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : In our society there are examples of unbelievable and extreme dysfunction, tragic cases of family failure and circumstances that are horrifying when they are revealed to the public. It is the role of the Department for Community Development to try to deal with these enormously difficult situations. We expect from the department, and by implication the minister, transparency on these matters. We also expect proper resourcing of the functions so that the department is capable of carrying out child protection measures. My government has put significant money into this system to ensure that occurs. The best possible mechanisms should be in place to ensure that people who take up foster care responsibilities are properly compensated and are the right people to do that job. It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
It is a very sad reflection of our society that failings occur in all these areas. It is important for all of us in politics to occasionally think beyond the political type of question just asked by the member for Churchlands and reflect on those sorts of questions. Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Several members interjected The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
The SPEAKER : Order! Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : They do not like to hear it. Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Mr C.J. Barnett interjected. The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
The SPEAKER : Order! I call to order the member for Cottesloe for the first time. Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
Dr G.I. GALLOP : We need to think beyond those sorts of questions and reflect upon the comments made today by the catholic bishops of Australia. We have huge problems in our society that relate to the way we set priorities and utilise time, the time that we make available to our children and whether the balance between family and work is properly set. Many of those issues must be addressed by governments, ministers, departments and every one of us in the community. This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
This question relates to tragic circumstances. I am very pleased that my government will make sure that these matters are brought to the surface and not pushed under the carpet. I am pleased to say that my government will allocate the resources to make sure they are properly dealt with. I am confident that the Minister for Community Development is dedicated to that task.
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