CHILDREN IN CARE

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (16:26): I would like to speak briefly about an issue which has grabbed some attention in the media recently, namely, children in care, particularly children in the care of the government. These children are clearly at risk in terms of their mental and physical wellbeing. These vulnerable children are often at the lowest point in their lives because the parents are either unable or unwilling to nurture and to provide the proper care of these children.

It is really disheartening to see almost a media campaign against the resources which we, as a society, put into protecting and nurturing these children. While as a society we might like to make some judgments about the parents of these children, I think we should never begrudge the resources we spend as a society—particularly the role of the state—to protect and raise these children. These children need our care.

These children need the protection of society to ensure they get the opportunity to have a fulfilling life. Are the children in alternative care being cared for in the most optimum situation? No, they are not. Having said that, we have two options. We can either complain, whine and blame the government, or we can do what all civilised societies do and take ownership of the problem we have before us. Unfortunately, many people have decided to make some political capital out of this issue and grandstand. These children, through no fault of their own, are often on the receiving end of misguided and ill-informed opinion.

As I said, I think that as a community we need to do something about this issue because it is a growing problem, as has been indicated in this house. I would like to contrast some of the comment in the media with what is happening in my electorate. A Christian churches forum in my electorate has taken on the challenge to care for those children who are put into alternative care within our community. The churches are working to ensure that those children in our community who, for whatever reason, are not being cared for by their parents are cared for in our community. I would like to acknowledge the contribution made by some of these churches in our community.

I acknowledge Full Gospel Outreach, the Playford AOG Church, All Souls Church, the Salvation Army, the Gawler Baptist Church, the Hewett Community Church of Christ, Immanuel Lutheran, the Church of the Nazarene, the Anglican Parishes, the Uniting Church and Zion Lutheran. Rather than say, 'It is a problem and just go to the media,' these churches are working together to resolve this problem; to do the right thing, the Christian thing and support these young people. They are doing it in partnership. Importantly, these churches are working together in partnership with the state government to ensure that we do look after the most vulnerable in our community. It is important that these children obtain the appropriate alternative care if they are to prosper in our society in the long term.

Again I congratulate those churches for what they are doing in our community. It is an example of the volunteering spirit of our community. Talking about volunteers, I acknowledge the great work of Sheila Willox, the Coordinator of Volunteers for the town of Gawler. On Monday night, Sheila was acknowledged for her great work with volunteers at the Barossa and Light Region SA Great Awards for her achievement in volunteering. Our communities are the richer for the contribution made by people such as Sheila who work tirelessly to ensure that everyone has a role to play in society and that everyone has a place in society. By 'a place in society', I mean that they are wanted and they make a contribution. The award is due recognition of the wonderful work she performs in our community.

Again, I highlight today (as I did in an earlier speech) the wonderful work done by our volunteers, and rather than use this place as a place to whine, complain and raise problems, I would like to use this time to acknowledge the wonderful contribution made by volunteers in resolving problems. It would be good to see some members on the other side spending some of their time and resources resolving issues rather than complaining about them.

Motion carried.

At 16:32 the house adjourned until Tuesday 20 November 2007 at 11:00.