❓ Question regarding partnership between Department of Corrective Services and African refugee community to divert young immigrants from the justice system, highlighting cultural sensitivity and support programs.
AnsweredQoN 666Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIVE SERVICES — PARTNERSHIP WITH AFRICAN REFUGEE COMMUNITY
It is an unfortunate reality that some young people who come to Western Australia as refugees find themselves in trouble with the law. Can the minister please explain to the house the unique partnership formed between the Department of Corrective Services and the African community aimed at diverting these young African immigrants away from the justice system? Mr D.T. REDMAN
It is an unfortunate reality that some young people who come to Western Australia as refugees find themselves in trouble with the law. Can the minister please explain to the house the unique partnership formed between the Department of Corrective Services and the African community aimed at diverting these young African immigrants away from the justice system? Mr D.T. REDMAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Morley for the question. Indeed, he has an intimate understanding of some of these challenges within his own electorate. This is certainly a win–win scenario. There is quite a large African community in Perth, particularly in the northern suburbs, and also in the member’s electorate. Of course, most of them have come as refugees escaping civil wars. A fair proportion of them are young people. They have come here after, in a lot of cases, being born in refugee camps. In some cases they have witnessed unspeakable atrocities, and seen members of their family and their friends killed. They also do not come with a formal schooling background. In a lot of cases they cannot read and write, and in some cases they have only a small grasp of the English language. For those reasons, they have trouble fitting into the Western Australian community. They certainly have some barriers around language and culture. Therefore, trying to find a job and fit in with how we do business in Western Australia is sometimes a struggle. That often leads to anger and frustration. It can also lead to them having some violent behaviour or having issues with drug abuse, alcohol abuse and so on. This issue was recognised by the team at North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services. They recognised that there was an emerging issue that they needed to respond to. They also recognised that they did not have the experience or the understanding of the African culture to provide appropriate responses. Therefore, they took the initiative and contacted the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre in Mirrabooka and arranged for prominent elders in the African community to mentor these people and to advise staff on managing them in a culturally sensitive way. Through that partnership, they were able to direct those people into schools, if in fact education was what they needed. If there were other concerns around drinking and alcohol, they were able to direct them into particular rehabilitation programs. Also, if their particular need was a job, they were able to assist in that regard. Certainly, I acknowledge the role that North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services has played in recognising the issues and responding to them, and in ensuring that its staff are appropriately set up and trained in culturally sensitive matters pertinent to the African community. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the member for Morley for the question. Indeed, he has an intimate understanding of some of these challenges within his own electorate. This is certainly a win–win scenario. There is quite a large African community in Perth, particularly in the northern suburbs, and also in the member’s electorate. Of course, most of them have come as refugees escaping civil wars. A fair proportion of them are young people. They have come here after, in a lot of cases, being born in refugee camps. In some cases they have witnessed unspeakable atrocities, and seen members of their family and their friends killed. They also do not come with a formal schooling background. In a lot of cases they cannot read and write, and in some cases they have only a small grasp of the English language. For those reasons, they have trouble fitting into the Western Australian community. They certainly have some barriers around language and culture. Therefore, trying to find a job and fit in with how we do business in Western Australia is sometimes a struggle. That often leads to anger and frustration. It can also lead to them having some violent behaviour or having issues with drug abuse, alcohol abuse and so on. This issue was recognised by the team at North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services. They recognised that there was an emerging issue that they needed to respond to. They also recognised that they did not have the experience or the understanding of the African culture to provide appropriate responses. Therefore, they took the initiative and contacted the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre in Mirrabooka and arranged for prominent elders in the African community to mentor these people and to advise staff on managing them in a culturally sensitive way. Through that partnership, they were able to direct those people into schools, if in fact education was what they needed. If there were other concerns around drinking and alcohol, they were able to direct them into particular rehabilitation programs. Also, if their particular need was a job, they were able to assist in that regard. Certainly, I acknowledge the role that North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services has played in recognising the issues and responding to them, and in ensuring that its staff are appropriately set up and trained in culturally sensitive matters pertinent to the African community. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
I thank the member for Morley for the question. Indeed, he has an intimate understanding of some of these challenges within his own electorate. This is certainly a win–win scenario. There is quite a large African community in Perth, particularly in the northern suburbs, and also in the member’s electorate. Of course, most of them have come as refugees escaping civil wars. A fair proportion of them are young people. They have come here after, in a lot of cases, being born in refugee camps. In some cases they have witnessed unspeakable atrocities, and seen members of their family and their friends killed. They also do not come with a formal schooling background. In a lot of cases they cannot read and write, and in some cases they have only a small grasp of the English language. For those reasons, they have trouble fitting into the Western Australian community. They certainly have some barriers around language and culture. Therefore, trying to find a job and fit in with how we do business in Western Australia is sometimes a struggle. That often leads to anger and frustration. It can also lead to them having some violent behaviour or having issues with drug abuse, alcohol abuse and so on. This issue was recognised by the team at North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services. They recognised that there was an emerging issue that they needed to respond to. They also recognised that they did not have the experience or the understanding of the African culture to provide appropriate responses. Therefore, they took the initiative and contacted the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre in Mirrabooka and arranged for prominent elders in the African community to mentor these people and to advise staff on managing them in a culturally sensitive way. Through that partnership, they were able to direct those people into schools, if in fact education was what they needed. If there were other concerns around drinking and alcohol, they were able to direct them into particular rehabilitation programs. Also, if their particular need was a job, they were able to assist in that regard. Certainly, I acknowledge the role that North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services has played in recognising the issues and responding to them, and in ensuring that its staff are appropriately set up and trained in culturally sensitive matters pertinent to the African community. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
This is certainly a win–win scenario. There is quite a large African community in Perth, particularly in the northern suburbs, and also in the member’s electorate. Of course, most of them have come as refugees escaping civil wars. A fair proportion of them are young people. They have come here after, in a lot of cases, being born in refugee camps. In some cases they have witnessed unspeakable atrocities, and seen members of their family and their friends killed. They also do not come with a formal schooling background. In a lot of cases they cannot read and write, and in some cases they have only a small grasp of the English language. For those reasons, they have trouble fitting into the Western Australian community. They certainly have some barriers around language and culture. Therefore, trying to find a job and fit in with how we do business in Western Australia is sometimes a struggle. That often leads to anger and frustration. It can also lead to them having some violent behaviour or having issues with drug abuse, alcohol abuse and so on. This issue was recognised by the team at North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services. They recognised that there was an emerging issue that they needed to respond to. They also recognised that they did not have the experience or the understanding of the African culture to provide appropriate responses. Therefore, they took the initiative and contacted the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre in Mirrabooka and arranged for prominent elders in the African community to mentor these people and to advise staff on managing them in a culturally sensitive way. Through that partnership, they were able to direct those people into schools, if in fact education was what they needed. If there were other concerns around drinking and alcohol, they were able to direct them into particular rehabilitation programs. Also, if their particular need was a job, they were able to assist in that regard. Certainly, I acknowledge the role that North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services has played in recognising the issues and responding to them, and in ensuring that its staff are appropriately set up and trained in culturally sensitive matters pertinent to the African community. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
This issue was recognised by the team at North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services. They recognised that there was an emerging issue that they needed to respond to. They also recognised that they did not have the experience or the understanding of the African culture to provide appropriate responses. Therefore, they took the initiative and contacted the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre in Mirrabooka and arranged for prominent elders in the African community to mentor these people and to advise staff on managing them in a culturally sensitive way. Through that partnership, they were able to direct those people into schools, if in fact education was what they needed. If there were other concerns around drinking and alcohol, they were able to direct them into particular rehabilitation programs. Also, if their particular need was a job, they were able to assist in that regard. Certainly, I acknowledge the role that North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services has played in recognising the issues and responding to them, and in ensuring that its staff are appropriately set up and trained in culturally sensitive matters pertinent to the African community. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: I thank the member for Morley for the question. Indeed, he has an intimate understanding of some of these challenges within his own electorate. This is certainly a win–win scenario. There is quite a large African community in Perth, particularly in the northern suburbs, and also in the member’s electorate. Of course, most of them have come as refugees escaping civil wars. A fair proportion of them are young people. They have come here after, in a lot of cases, being born in refugee camps. In some cases they have witnessed unspeakable atrocities, and seen members of their family and their friends killed. They also do not come with a formal schooling background. In a lot of cases they cannot read and write, and in some cases they have only a small grasp of the English language. For those reasons, they have trouble fitting into the Western Australian community. They certainly have some barriers around language and culture. Therefore, trying to find a job and fit in with how we do business in Western Australia is sometimes a struggle. That often leads to anger and frustration. It can also lead to them having some violent behaviour or having issues with drug abuse, alcohol abuse and so on. This issue was recognised by the team at North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services. They recognised that there was an emerging issue that they needed to respond to. They also recognised that they did not have the experience or the understanding of the African culture to provide appropriate responses. Therefore, they took the initiative and contacted the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre in Mirrabooka and arranged for prominent elders in the African community to mentor these people and to advise staff on managing them in a culturally sensitive way. Through that partnership, they were able to direct those people into schools, if in fact education was what they needed. If there were other concerns around drinking and alcohol, they were able to direct them into particular rehabilitation programs. Also, if their particular need was a job, they were able to assist in that regard. Certainly, I acknowledge the role that North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services has played in recognising the issues and responding to them, and in ensuring that its staff are appropriately set up and trained in culturally sensitive matters pertinent to the African community. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
I thank the member for Morley for the question. Indeed, he has an intimate understanding of some of these challenges within his own electorate. This is certainly a win–win scenario. There is quite a large African community in Perth, particularly in the northern suburbs, and also in the member’s electorate. Of course, most of them have come as refugees escaping civil wars. A fair proportion of them are young people. They have come here after, in a lot of cases, being born in refugee camps. In some cases they have witnessed unspeakable atrocities, and seen members of their family and their friends killed. They also do not come with a formal schooling background. In a lot of cases they cannot read and write, and in some cases they have only a small grasp of the English language. For those reasons, they have trouble fitting into the Western Australian community. They certainly have some barriers around language and culture. Therefore, trying to find a job and fit in with how we do business in Western Australia is sometimes a struggle. That often leads to anger and frustration. It can also lead to them having some violent behaviour or having issues with drug abuse, alcohol abuse and so on. This issue was recognised by the team at North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services. They recognised that there was an emerging issue that they needed to respond to. They also recognised that they did not have the experience or the understanding of the African culture to provide appropriate responses. Therefore, they took the initiative and contacted the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre in Mirrabooka and arranged for prominent elders in the African community to mentor these people and to advise staff on managing them in a culturally sensitive way. Through that partnership, they were able to direct those people into schools, if in fact education was what they needed. If there were other concerns around drinking and alcohol, they were able to direct them into particular rehabilitation programs. Also, if their particular need was a job, they were able to assist in that regard. Certainly, I acknowledge the role that North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services has played in recognising the issues and responding to them, and in ensuring that its staff are appropriately set up and trained in culturally sensitive matters pertinent to the African community. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
This is certainly a win–win scenario. There is quite a large African community in Perth, particularly in the northern suburbs, and also in the member’s electorate. Of course, most of them have come as refugees escaping civil wars. A fair proportion of them are young people. They have come here after, in a lot of cases, being born in refugee camps. In some cases they have witnessed unspeakable atrocities, and seen members of their family and their friends killed. They also do not come with a formal schooling background. In a lot of cases they cannot read and write, and in some cases they have only a small grasp of the English language. For those reasons, they have trouble fitting into the Western Australian community. They certainly have some barriers around language and culture. Therefore, trying to find a job and fit in with how we do business in Western Australia is sometimes a struggle. That often leads to anger and frustration. It can also lead to them having some violent behaviour or having issues with drug abuse, alcohol abuse and so on. This issue was recognised by the team at North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services. They recognised that there was an emerging issue that they needed to respond to. They also recognised that they did not have the experience or the understanding of the African culture to provide appropriate responses. Therefore, they took the initiative and contacted the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre in Mirrabooka and arranged for prominent elders in the African community to mentor these people and to advise staff on managing them in a culturally sensitive way. Through that partnership, they were able to direct those people into schools, if in fact education was what they needed. If there were other concerns around drinking and alcohol, they were able to direct them into particular rehabilitation programs. Also, if their particular need was a job, they were able to assist in that regard. Certainly, I acknowledge the role that North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services has played in recognising the issues and responding to them, and in ensuring that its staff are appropriately set up and trained in culturally sensitive matters pertinent to the African community. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
This issue was recognised by the team at North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services. They recognised that there was an emerging issue that they needed to respond to. They also recognised that they did not have the experience or the understanding of the African culture to provide appropriate responses. Therefore, they took the initiative and contacted the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre in Mirrabooka and arranged for prominent elders in the African community to mentor these people and to advise staff on managing them in a culturally sensitive way. Through that partnership, they were able to direct those people into schools, if in fact education was what they needed. If there were other concerns around drinking and alcohol, they were able to direct them into particular rehabilitation programs. Also, if their particular need was a job, they were able to assist in that regard. Certainly, I acknowledge the role that North Metropolitan Youth Justice Services has played in recognising the issues and responding to them, and in ensuring that its staff are appropriately set up and trained in culturally sensitive matters pertinent to the African community. Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Ms J.M. Freeman interjected. Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : Absolutely. But I highlight the importance of recognising the responses of staff in the Department of Corrective Services. They have identified issues and put in place a very proactive strategy to respond to the circumstances that emerge. I see this as — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the first time today, and I instruct you that if you wish to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : I can only take it that, judging from the opposition’s concerns, it does not support what is happening and does not acknowledge it. On many occasions — Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
The SPEAKER : Member for Nollamara, I formally call you to order for the second time today. If you want to ask a question, get to your feet and seek the call. You will get it from me. Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : It is absolutely appropriate that, as Minister for Corrective Services, I recognise some good work that happens out there. On all too many occasions in debates that happen in this place and in media fora, the concerns and issues within our community are highlighted rather than some of the very good work. It is important that we recognise that. I raise this matter in this place for exactly that reason, and I make it part of my brief to give the broader community and members within this place an understanding of the really good work that happens out there in my portfolios. This is one of them, and it is a very good outcome.
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