SA Greens Welcome Child Protection Bill, but Reiterate Call for Stronger Independent Complaints Process
The SA Greens welcome the announcement by Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard that she plans to introduce the long-awaited Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill, despite arriving a year later than promised.
The SA Greens will continue to advocate for positive outcomes for both carers and children in care as the bill progresses through parliament.
Ms Franks, who gave notice of a censure motion against Minister Hildyard for not bringing forward this overdue legislation, will not proceed with that motion
Quotes Attributable to Tammy Franks MLC, SA Greens Spokesperson for Child Protection:
While we appreciate the Minister’s efforts in finally introducing this important bill, it is still worth noting that it is a year overdue. The children and young people of South Australia deserved action 12 months ago.
A truly independent complaints process with real powers is essential to ensure the Department of Child Protection functions to serve children and carers in the system
Carers form the foundation of our child protection system and their voices matter. We must do more to ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon.