Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-10-20 Daily Xml

Contents

Question Time

CHILD PROTECTION RESTRAINING ORDERS

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (15:07): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the minister representing the Attorney-General questions about the operation of the child protection restraining orders.

Leave granted.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON: As you may recall, in late 2009 this parliament passed the Statutes Amendment (Children's Protection) Act, which introduced the child protection restraining orders, which in turn came into effect on 1 August 2010. Given that these orders have now been in operation for over 12 months, I ask the following questions of the Attorney-General:

1. In the 12 months since the commencement of the child protection restraining orders, how many applications for such an order have been made to the Magistrates Court by the police in accordance with section 99AAC subsection (1)(a)?

2. How many applications have been made by parents or guardians in accordance with section 99AAC subsection (1)(b), and of those how many were not supported by the police under subsection (7)?

3. Of the total number of applications, how many of those applications have been successful?

4. How many ancillary orders have been made under section 99AAC subsection (6)—Providing for the temporary placement of the child, and how many, if any, have directed the child into the custody of the minister?

5. If any orders have been made under subsection (6) directing the child placed into the custody of the child's parents, is the Attorney-General aware of any cases in which the police have given effect to that order by returning the child to the parents' home?

6. Has the Attorney-General ordered a review of the operation of the child protection restraining orders, given that it has been 12 months? If not, will he do so and furnish the parliament with a copy of the subsequent report?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling) (15:08): I thank the honourable member for her questions and will refer them to the Attorney-General in another place and bring back a response.