❓ Question seeks clarification on the number of child protection workers employed by the Department of Communities, specifically regarding the fulfillment of a commitment to hire additional practitioners. The answer provides specific numbers on current staff and progress on the commitment.
AnsweredQoN 69Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the media release published on 1 April 2025, entitled 'WA child protection workers accept Cook Government pay offer', and I ask: (a) noting the commitment for an “additional 55 child protection practitioners”, how many child protection workers are currently in the employment of the Department by both headcount and full-time equivalent; (b) in reference to (a), how many are characterised as “practitioners”; (c) are any of the promised 55 practitioners already in place; and (d) if yes to (c), how many?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
20 May 2025
Responded by
Minister for Agriculture and Food representing the Minister for Child Protection
Response time
5 days
The Department of Communities (Communities) advises:
(a) As at 31 March 2025, there are 1,172 child protection workers (1,088.91 Employee FTE) employed by Communities.
(b) As at 31 March 2025, a total of 1,033 child protection workers (952.81 Employee FTE) are characterised as “practitioners”, meaning they are providing direct frontline work.
(c) Yes.
(d) As at 31 March 2025, 18 child protection workers (16.33 Employee FTE) are already in place. Communities is actively working to fill all vacant child protection positions, with suitably qualified people, through various recruitment strategies.
(a) As at 31 March 2025, there are 1,172 child protection workers (1,088.91 Employee FTE) employed by Communities.
(b) As at 31 March 2025, a total of 1,033 child protection workers (952.81 Employee FTE) are characterised as “practitioners”, meaning they are providing direct frontline work.
(c) Yes.
(d) As at 31 March 2025, 18 child protection workers (16.33 Employee FTE) are already in place. Communities is actively working to fill all vacant child protection positions, with suitably qualified people, through various recruitment strategies.
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