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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-11-27 Daily Xml
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CHILD DEVELOPMENT LEGISLATION

Mr ODENWALDER (Little Para) (14:54): Can the Minister for Education and Child Development tell the house how consultations regarding child development legislation are progressing?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Education and Child Development) (14:54): I would like to thank the member for Little Para for this important question. Earlier this year I was very pleased to release a discussion paper inviting our community to help shape and inform new child development legislation The aim of the legislation is to fundamentally change the way that South Australia plans and connects, through policies and people, to make our state an even better place for families and children. My department has been seeking the community's views, and I have been very pleased to meet and talk with many parents and professionals—at community forums and during my visits to schools and preschools—about how we can best legislate to support every child and their family so that our children get the best possible start in life.

I am pleased to report that there has been tremendous interest from a very broad cross-section of the community. Around 7,000 copies of the discussion paper have been distributed to child development groups and community members, whilst many others have downloaded the paper and contributed through our 'Your SAy' website. People have come along to more than 70 public forums and targeted stakeholder meetings right across rural, regional, remote and metropolitan South Australia, from Andamooka to Naracoorte and Ceduna to Berri.

So far more than 1,500 people have taken part and, overall, I think I can confidently say that the concept of supporting child development and entrenching this notion in South Australia with legislation is being viewed favourably. So far there have been more than 150 written submissions from various groups; others (including Early Childhood Australia) are yet to provide one, but I am advised that they will. I believe it is very important that we engage with communities, and children especially, because this legislation will significantly influence the way we go forward.

I had hoped to bring this important piece of draft legislation to the house this year; however, there continues to be a great deal of interest and more contributions are expected. I do believe it is important that we take into account those views, and that I am able to bring a piece of legislation to this place on the basis of those views. Therefore, I now expect to introduce this legislation in the new year. I take this opportunity to thank the many people and organisations who have contributed to this important work on behalf of the children and families of our community.

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