Child Protection

The Hon. C. BONAROS (14:56): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, representing the Minister for Child Protection, a question about the removal of children from their parents in cases of criminal neglect.

Leave granted.

The Hon. C. BONAROS: It was reported in ABC News this morning that a woman has been charged with the criminal neglect of her one-year-old daughter after she was found with maggots in her dirty nappy and severe rash from her waist to her feet as a result. The article cites the judge's remarks during sentencing wherein it was disclosed that, despite a July 2023 visit from a DCP social worker in which the woman's two young children were observed to be wearing urine-soaked pyjamas and suffering from nappy rash, no action was taken to remove the children from the woman's care.

A subsequent police search of the woman's house uncovered a pipe and a small bag of crystalline substance in her bedroom, whilst a DCP spokesperson chose to not respond directly to questions about the incident, suggesting, and I quote, that 'the safety of children in the department is the department's highest priority'. My questions to the minister are:

1. Is the minister aware of the reasoning and rationale behind the decision to not take action to remove the children from care in July 2023 and, if so, what are those reasons?

2. How did having safety as a paramount principle help the child who has been the subject of these criminal charges in this matter?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:58): I will refer the question to the minister in the other place and bring back a response.