Child Protection, Baby Removals

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON (15:21): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON: On 29 January 2025, it was reported that former deputy chief executive of the Department for Child Protection, Adam Reilly, said he:

…realised, after giving evidence at the hearings for the Aboriginal children's commissioner, and when I apologised to Aboriginal parents, the shift towards me was stark and it was very apparent that the values that I hold were not welcome.

After giving evidence, the shift in terms of my treatment changed dramatically.

My question is: does the government agree with Mr Reilly's apology given to Aboriginal families whose babies had been removed at birth?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:22): I thank the honourable member for her question. That is not in my portfolio area. I am not aware of the circumstances around those comments. I am happy to talk to the Minister for Child Protection and see if there is something that can be said. Often in these matters there is little that can be said, but if there is something that can be said I will bring back a response.