Child Abuse Report Line

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:52): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industry and Regional Development, representing the Minister for Child Protection, regarding child protection reports.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: Recently, concerns have been raised about the administrative processes within the Child Abuse Report Line, specifically regarding the downgrading or dismissal of mandatory reports, refusal to record reports in the system and misleading advice being provided to callers about statutory responsibilities. These concerns come alongside recent media reports about long wait times and poor responses from CARL, suggesting wider departmental problems.

It has also been reported that CARL staff failed to follow departmental policy and guidelines, and that reports involving departmental staff were not handled confidentially or appropriately. These actions reduce transparency and confidentiality and may amount to maladministration under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017. Concerns have also been raised about such failures removing critical safeguards for vulnerable children and compromising independent oversight. My questions to the minister are:

1. Can the minister advise whether the department has investigated claims that Child Abuse Report Line staff have refused to record mandatory reports and have downgraded them to file notes, against policy and legislative requirements?

2. What steps are in place to make certain that the mandatory reports are handled properly and independently, especially when concerns involve departmental staff?

3. After years of serious failures in child protection, will the government commit to urgent reform of the Child Abuse Report Line to protect vulnerable children and restore public trust?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:55): I thank the honourable member for her question. I am happy to refer that to the appropriate minister in the other place and bring back a response.