Legislative Council: Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Contents

Holding on to Our Future Report

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:48): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries, representing the Minister for Child Protection, on the topic of the Holding on to Our Future report.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: The South Australian Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People's newish report, Holding on to Our Future, was tabled in this parliament on 5 June 2024. The report sets out 48 findings and 32 recommendations to reduce the number of Aboriginal children coming into contact with the child protection system to ensure that Aboriginal children grow up safe and strong within family, community and culture. I echo the words at the launch of this document of the Guardian for Children and Young People, Shona Reid, who said that this is a landmark inquiry. My questions to the child protection minister are:

1. When will the government respond formally to the Holding on to Our Future report?

2. Which of the recommendations will be progressed in government legislation?

3. Why have those recommendations not been included in the current bill out for consultation?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:49): I thank the honourable member for her question. I will refer those to the Minister for Child Protection in another place and bring back a reply.