CHILD ABUSE LINE

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (14:51): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Emergency Services, representing the Minister for Families and Communities, a question about the child abuse line.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS: I have become aware that a constituent recently attempted to call the child abuse line to report a suspected child abuse case. This occurred on a Monday. After being put on hold for more than 15 minutes on several occasions, my constituent gave up, having been unable to get through. Three days later on the Thursday of that week, he had still not been able to get through to talk to someone. While I understand that my constituent was eventually able to get through, he is concerned about the delay he experienced and the fact that others may well be in a similar situation. My constituent also raised the valid point that, as it takes some courage to decide to report child abuse matters, it is vital that such concerns are addressed as soon as possible. My questions to the minister are:

1. What is the average waiting time for people who call the child abuse line?

2. What action will the minister take to ensure that constituents are not forced to wait for days to get through on the line?

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:52): I thank the honourable member for his question in relation to the child abuse line. I will refer his questions to the Minister for Families and Communities in another place and ensure that he receives a response to his questions.