NT Government Fails Abuse Victims

On the 24th of August 2004 the then Minister for Family and Community Services told Parliament:

"I know that child abuse and neglect occurs, and I know that it occurs on a scale that statistics and studies will never truly reveal. We must always be looking at it, and into child protection; researching it, studying it and understanding it, trying to find ways to address it. However, I am not just going to look at the problem. I am going to tackle the problem. I do not need more information before taking action. The easiest thing for me and the government to do would be to announce another review. I will not.”

"it is important that the community understands that our child protection reform is based on comprehensive research, reviews and analyses already undertaken. My department currently has in front of it over 20 different reports about understanding and addressing child abuse in Australia. Several of these are specific to the Northern Territory. Several are specific to indigenous issues, and others look at the problem from an Australian perspective. The reports have been produced or commissioned by a wide range of institutions, including government, universities and other independent research centres. "

"I refer members to the Caring for Our Children web site, which itemises material that the Department of Health and Community Services either commissioned or uses to inform the reform agenda. However, I reiterate this government's position that while information is important, it is action, not information, which is needed now.” {end quote}

"In the Lateline program of two days ago people complained that they reported abuse but no action was taken. Two years ago this abuse has been acknowledged by Government but no action has been taken. The Government's inability to deal with this issue is a systemic failure that starts in Cabinet.” Jodeen Carney said.

"Government has said it doesn't want any more reviews, yet, in an attempt to create the impression they are doing something (other than thinking about a 20 year plan that hasn't been planned yet), Government announced an inquiry yesterday.

"Minister Lawrie can't blame public servants, nor can Minister Scrymgour nor can the Chief Minister, they knew the problems 2 years ago. They chose to do nothing.

"Minister Lawrie has announced an inquiry into her own department. In light of what the Government said two years ago all this represents is Government looking inward as it struggles for direction in the absence of the courage that is needed to take control of this issue.” Ms Carney said.

2006-06-23