❓ Question regarding allocation of funds and resources for child protection in regional WA. The Premier's response lacks specific details, promising allocation based on need and a future breakdown.
AnsweredQoN 617Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - RESOURCES IN REGIONAL AREAS
Some notice of this question has been given. I refer to the Premier’s recent announcement of a $50 million pledge to employ more child protection workers in Western Australia. (1) How much of the $50 million will be allocated to regional Western Australia? (2) How many of the planned 87 extra caseworkers will be deployed to country Western Australia on a permanent basis? (3) How many of the other 46 new positions - which include regional support officers - will be permanently based in country Western Australia? (4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
Some notice of this question has been given. I refer to the Premier’s recent announcement of a $50 million pledge to employ more child protection workers in Western Australia. (1) How much of the $50 million will be allocated to regional Western Australia? (2) How many of the planned 87 extra caseworkers will be deployed to country Western Australia on a permanent basis? (3) How many of the other 46 new positions - which include regional support officers - will be permanently based in country Western Australia? (4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(1) How much of the $50 million will be allocated to regional Western Australia? (2) How many of the planned 87 extra caseworkers will be deployed to country Western Australia on a permanent basis? (3) How many of the other 46 new positions - which include regional support officers - will be permanently based in country Western Australia? (4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(2) How many of the planned 87 extra caseworkers will be deployed to country Western Australia on a permanent basis? (3) How many of the other 46 new positions - which include regional support officers - will be permanently based in country Western Australia? (4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(3) How many of the other 46 new positions - which include regional support officers - will be permanently based in country Western Australia? (4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(1) How much of the $50 million will be allocated to regional Western Australia? (2) How many of the planned 87 extra caseworkers will be deployed to country Western Australia on a permanent basis? (3) How many of the other 46 new positions - which include regional support officers - will be permanently based in country Western Australia? (4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(2) How many of the planned 87 extra caseworkers will be deployed to country Western Australia on a permanent basis? (3) How many of the other 46 new positions - which include regional support officers - will be permanently based in country Western Australia? (4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(3) How many of the other 46 new positions - which include regional support officers - will be permanently based in country Western Australia? (4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(4) How many of the unacceptably high number of child deaths reported in Western Australia over the past five years were in country Western Australia? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
(1)-(4) I thank the member for the question and for providing some notice of it. In answer to the last question, I am informed that information about cause, date and location of any death - the member has not specified any particular category - must be sought from the coroner. In answer to the first three questions, the additional resources will be applied where it is determined that they are needed, be that in metropolitan, regional or rural areas, or elsewhere. The resources will be allocated on the basis of need, and will include country and metropolitan district offices. I am happy to provide the member with a breakdown of metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas when that allocation has been completed. For the member’s information, approximately 30 per cent of “care for children” workers funded in the 2006-07 budget were permanently allocated to non-metropolitan areas. I hope that the member for Wagin at least, as one member on the other side, supports the allocation of the additional workers. Mr T.K. Waldron : I do support the allocation, but I want to know where they will be going. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The member supports the allocation. That is good, because I asked that question of the Leader of the Opposition, and he refused to answer it. At least we know that the National Party - in broad terms I assume - supports the increased allocation and supports the increased capacity that the allocation will deliver. I am grateful. I do not believe I have heard the National Party - unlike its Liberal Party confrères - single out DCD caseworkers and blame them for the deaths of any of the children that we have been discussing in this Parliament in the past three or four weeks. That is a pretty good indication of why the National Party is right not to be in coalition with the Liberal Party. There are some things that the National Party will not stoop to do, but that clearly, unfortunately and repeatedly - Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr B.J. Grylls : We are pretty happy to criticise you! Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : That is shameful! I take it all back! That is it! That is the end of it! For example, the Leader of the Opposition said in reference to the death of Jessicarose Garvey that she just needed help from somewhere, and DCD neglected to do that, once again. Once again! In saying that, the Leader of the Opposition implied that the death of that girl was due to the neglect of DCD. That is what he did, is it not? Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Several members interjected. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : The Leader of the Opposition’s spin doctors have advised him not to get caught up in answering questions that are thrown across the chamber! Do members know why? It is because he does not do very well when he does that! The approach that the Liberal Party has taken on this issue has been absolutely shameful. What the Liberal Party has sought to do, in its ham-fisted way, is point the finger of blame first at the former minister, then at the current minister, and then at the director general of the department. That is what we saw yesterday, when the Liberal Party used terms like, “You’ve got blood on your hands, and you” - meaning the government - “will be responsible the next time a young child dies.” That is pretty low, even given the Leader of the Opposition’s own record. I congratulate the National Party for not stooping to those depths.
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