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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-05-05 Daily Xml
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Child Protection

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:53): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Deputy Premier, a question about the Valentine coronial recommendations.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY: Last week I met with Belinda Valentine, the maternal grandmother of Chloe Valentine, regarding the coronial inquest into Chloe's death. Ms Valentine has been openly critical of Families SA's handling of the entire case and, whilst supportive of the Coroner's findings and recommendations, holds concerns regarding the timeframe in which the government will implement the recommendations. Given the Deputy Premier's ministerial statement today about recommendations, can the Deputy Premier indicate when we may expect this process to be finalised?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (15:54): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. As the honourable member indicated, the Deputy Premier released a ministerial statement today in relation to the Coroner's comprehensive report around the death of Chloe Valentine. He reports that, after receiving that, cabinet then resolved to support the 19 recommendations in full and provided in-principle support for recommendation 22.13 and committed to look further at recommendation 22.9.

Recommendation 22.3 is in relation to the chief executive of the Department for Education and Child Development has, I've been advised, issued a directive to all Families SA staff that it is paramount for the consideration always to be in relation to the wellbeing and welfare of children. The direction specified that considerations of confidentiality must give way in the face of the primary objective of child safety. I'm advised that, as to recommendations 22.4 and 22.5, the Deputy Premier wrote today to the President of the Legislative Council and the Speaker of the house issuing a direction to remind all staff of their obligations under the Children's Protection Act.

In relation to recommendations 22.6, 22.7 and 22.8, these recommendations relate to the application of income protection management, and the Attorney-General has written to the commonwealth to commence that process. In relation to 22.13, cabinet has supported that in principle, noting that a review of the Adoption Act is currently underway and Commissioner Nyland is also being asked to consider the matter. In relation to recommendation 22.17, the chief executive has issued a directive to all Families SA staff reminding them of the importance of accurate note taking. I am advised that Families SA is also developing a training program on professional writing, including case notes and report writing. This course will be mandated for new and existing staff and, I am advised, will commence rollout in the middle of this year.

A further three recommendations require amendments to the act. This morning, the Attorney-General gave notice that he will introduce a bill to make those amendments, and that will be introduced tomorrow. The bill expands on recommendation 22.2 to capture people convicted of offences of causing serious harm and acts endangering life or causing serious harm, as well as murder, manslaughter and criminal neglect. The proposed amendments are significant and will make lasting changes to the child protection system.

In response to the remaining recommendations, I have been advised that a working group will be established to include the chief executive of the Department for Education and Child Development, together with representation from the Attorney-General, Premier and Cabinet and the Crown Solicitor's Office, and the working group will have input from other relevant agencies where required. I am advised that that initial work has already commenced and the government is committed to the implementation of the recommendations, obviously, in a timely manner, and the Attorney-General is committed to report progress.

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