❓ A parliamentary question regarding the death of Wade Scale, focusing on the Department for Community Development's decision to grant custody to his father despite his criminal history and drug habit. The Premier defends the former minister and highlights the complexity of child welfare cases.
AnsweredQoN 461Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WADE SCALE
In July 2003, 11-month-old Wade Scale was found drowned in his family’s bath. One of the people charged with the care of baby Wade was a man who had previously been convicted of viciously beating three other children, and who had a known drug habit. Despite that record and personal appeals from family members to this government, including the former Premier Dr Geoff Gallop, the Department for Community Development and the then responsible minister, who is now the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, granted Mr Scale custody of Wade and another child after his release from prison. (1) Why was custody granted to Mr Scale; and, does the Premier accept the comments made by the current Minister for Community Development that the Labor government failed Wade Scale? (2) Can the Premier explain to the people of Western Australia why the former Minister for Community Development continues to refuse to accept any responsibility for the death of Wade Scale? (3) Why is the former Minister for Community Development continuing to serve in the Premier’s cabinet? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
In July 2003, 11-month-old Wade Scale was found drowned in his family’s bath. One of the people charged with the care of baby Wade was a man who had previously been convicted of viciously beating three other children, and who had a known drug habit. Despite that record and personal appeals from family members to this government, including the former Premier Dr Geoff Gallop, the Department for Community Development and the then responsible minister, who is now the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, granted Mr Scale custody of Wade and another child after his release from prison. (1) Why was custody granted to Mr Scale; and, does the Premier accept the comments made by the current Minister for Community Development that the Labor government failed Wade Scale? (2) Can the Premier explain to the people of Western Australia why the former Minister for Community Development continues to refuse to accept any responsibility for the death of Wade Scale? (3) Why is the former Minister for Community Development continuing to serve in the Premier’s cabinet? Mr A.J. CARPENTER
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
(1) Why was custody granted to Mr Scale; and, does the Premier accept the comments made by the current Minister for Community Development that the Labor government failed Wade Scale? (2) Can the Premier explain to the people of Western Australia why the former Minister for Community Development continues to refuse to accept any responsibility for the death of Wade Scale? (3) Why is the former Minister for Community Development continuing to serve in the Premier’s cabinet? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
(2) Can the Premier explain to the people of Western Australia why the former Minister for Community Development continues to refuse to accept any responsibility for the death of Wade Scale? (3) Why is the former Minister for Community Development continuing to serve in the Premier’s cabinet? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
(3) Why is the former Minister for Community Development continuing to serve in the Premier’s cabinet? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
(1) Why was custody granted to Mr Scale; and, does the Premier accept the comments made by the current Minister for Community Development that the Labor government failed Wade Scale? (2) Can the Premier explain to the people of Western Australia why the former Minister for Community Development continues to refuse to accept any responsibility for the death of Wade Scale? (3) Why is the former Minister for Community Development continuing to serve in the Premier’s cabinet? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
(2) Can the Premier explain to the people of Western Australia why the former Minister for Community Development continues to refuse to accept any responsibility for the death of Wade Scale? (3) Why is the former Minister for Community Development continuing to serve in the Premier’s cabinet? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
(3) Why is the former Minister for Community Development continuing to serve in the Premier’s cabinet? Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER replied: (1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
(1)-(3) I thank the member for the question and for her interest in this tragic issue. I will start with the last part of the question. The former minister for Community Development - the present Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Tourism; and Culture and the Arts - is an outstanding minister. Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr C.J. Barnett : Not in our opinion. Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : In my opinion she is an outstanding minister. I have served in the cabinet with her for more than five years. For most of that time she was the Minister for Community Development. She was responsible for an extremely difficult portfolio, which she handled very well. As everybody in the chamber knows, including those on the other side of the house, the story of Wade Scale is an absolutely tragic case. After reading the details and background of the case, one realises how profoundly tragic it is. From time to time and from place to place there are circumstances in our community in which these sorts of horrible events take place. As local members of Parliament, many of us have been approached by constituents and told about cases involving similar circumstances. It is extremely difficult to make judgments about particular matters without launching a full-scale personal investigation, which is quite impossible. Members on the other side of the house have been in government, and know that situations like this are extremely difficult. We, as members of Parliament, rely on the professional advice and judgments of those who are employed in the department. Case work in child welfare is very difficult and complicated. There have been several investigations into this case, including the coroner’s investigation. Indeed, the present Minister for Community Development has also announced an investigation into this matter. The coroner found that the department’s advice to the minister was not reliable or accurate. According to my notes, the coroner’s comments included the following - It would appear that the minister was not kept reliably informed as to the limited ability of the department to work with the family. We should go beyond that and read the notes attached to this particular case. If we take out the wisdom of hindsight, which we all now have, and go back to the events as they occurred, we find that it is an extremely complicated matter. Mofflyn, the Anglican non-government organisation, was involved in providing advice to government as well. If we read its advice, we find that it is extremely sad in retrospect. Nobody believes that anybody in government or anybody who worked with Mofflyn would have wilfully made decisions that placed a child or children in danger or neglected their duties. However, sometimes people make wrong judgments. That is the reality. When people make wrong judgments, sometimes absolute tragedy can occur, and it has occurred in this case. I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
I believe the correct processes are being followed. I understand that the people who were working in the department as caseworkers at the time no longer work in the department. The department has considerably bolstered the resources available in that area. Since baby Wade’s death in August 2003, the staffing levels at the Rockingham office have increased from 30.5 full-time equivalents to 41.5 FTEs. Even with those increased numbers, all local members of Parliament know that cases come before us in which the circumstances are so complicated, so difficult and so replete with the possibility of tragic outcomes that making cast-iron judgments in advance that are 100 per cent correct is very, very difficult. Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr C.J. Barnett : Three children bashed plus drug addiction. Is that complex? Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
Mr A.J. CARPENTER : I have made my points about that. I say to the member for Cottesloe that I do not disagree with the judgments that were made. In retrospect, they were wrong, but they were made by people who were trying to make the best decision for the child at the time with the information to hand. The DCD officers and the Mofflyn officers, non-government officers, were trying to handle this case. We do not live in a society where people do not make mistakes. It is terrible when these sorts of things occur. I have the greatest respect for the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. I have seen her working at close hand over a long period. There is not a more diligent and committed cabinet minister. There is not a person in the cabinet who has a stronger pursuit of the general good of individuals. I say that without qualification. It is a tragic matter. I hope that every single thing that we do and have done as a result of this tragedy will make it far less likely that we will ever see a situation like this again - far less likely.
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