CHILD PROTECTION — INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT

3006. Hon Alison Xamon to the Leader of the House representing the Premier:

I refer to work to develop independent oversight mechanisms for children in the child protection system, and I ask:

(a)  would the Premier please advise what progress has been made towards achieving this aim;

(b)  have any specific models been identified for consideration;

(c)  if yes to (b), which model(s); and

(d)  what is the anticipated timeframe for this project?

Hon Sue Ellery replied:

(a)  The Department of the Premier and Cabinet is preparing advice for Government on a whole of government approach to establishing an integrated, nationally consistent system of independent oversight covering the four areas identified by the Royal Commission into Institutional Reponses to Child Sexual Abuse: monitoring and enforcement of Child Safe Standards; establishing a reportable conduct scheme; independent oversight of out-of-home care providers; and independent oversight of youth detention.

(b)  The Government’s aim is to establish an integrated system of independent oversight enabling agencies with responsibility for particular functions to work effectively with each other by sharing information, referring issues or complaints, and operating effectively with other child protection and law enforcement mechanisms and authorities. Options to achieve this aim are being developed for consideration, and being informed by experiences and approaches in other jurisdictions and the recent report by the Joint Standing Committee on the Commissioner for Children and Young People From Words to Action: Fulfilling the obligation to be child safe tabled on 13 August 2020.

(c)  Not applicable.

(d)  This will be a decision for Government once we have received the advice referred to in paragraph (a) above, but implementation is likely to be phased.

 

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