Children and Young People (Safety) Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 16 May 2017)

The Hon. K.L. VINCENT (16:15): At this stage, I rise on behalf of the Dignity Party to say a few brief words about the bill. Children with disabilities represent a higher proportion of the in-care population than the general population. It is particularly distressing to know that some children enter care with disabilities that have been caused by acts of abuse and neglect.

Although South Australia does not appear to keep good data on this compared to states such as Queensland, we do know that some children who already have disabilities are relinquished into state care by parents who simply, unfortunately, lack the resources or who cannot access resources to manage the parenting responsibilities of children with additional needs.

Foster families supporting children with disabilities and trauma-related behavioural issues often need additional resources. It is important that we both assess and fund the ongoing need for specialist disability foster care placements, as well as funding the support and respite services needed to ensure those placements remain viable for foster-parents and children alike.

We know that at least five children have been voluntarily relinquished into state care since the NDIS was implemented in this state. I use the term 'voluntarily' quite lightly because I know it is not a decision that is reached easily by families. Voluntary relinquishment of a child from a loving family due to the pressures and strain at home is an emotionally traumatic thing for any parent.

The bill before us has found a great deal of criticism, and surely it is only because everyone concerned wants to ensure the best outcome for children and young people that these discussions and criticisms have come forward. Dignity Party share many of the concerns raised by others, particularly about how the spirit of Justice Nyland’s recommendations will best be enshrined in law. The urging of the seven groups to which others have already referred, those being SACOSS, the Law Society of South Australia, the Australian Medical Association (SA), the Child and Family Welfare Association of SA, the Youth Affairs Council of South Australia, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, the Council for the Care of Children and the Child Protection Reform Movement, is that, at this stage, we cannot support the bill.

Dignity Party will support the second reading to continue the discussion but look forward to either substantial amendments that will give voice and consideration to the many issues raised by those very seven credible groups in discussions about this bill or indeed a new bill. At this stage, we support the second reading but hope to see a much improved bill come before the council before we can support its full passage.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon J.S. Lee.