DISABILITY SERVICES

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (15:05): I have a supplementary question. Will the minister stand by the position of his predecessor that mandatory reporting will not form a part of this act?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:05): I thank the honourable member for her important supplementary question. I have stated this position previously in this place: I have advice from my advisory council which goes to the issue of mandatory reporting and the advice to me has been that it is not the best way forward. However, I have said publicly that I will consider mandatory reporting and any other mechanisms that can be presented to me when we are talking about safeguarding people with disabilities. That will be part of the consultation process that we undertake when we come to draft the new act.