Labor’s band-aid on a broken system

Tuesday 04 February, 2025

This week, the Government’s arrogance was on full display, with plans to rush long-awaited legislative reform for the in-crisis child protection system – disregarding concerns from the sector.

The Opposition has heard from stakeholders that the consultation process has been flawed and that the legislation is defective, failing to address their concerns.

“We are calling on the Minister for Child Protection and the Government to pause its plans to forge ahead with changes to the proposed Children and Young People Safety and Support Bill,” Leader of the Opposition, Vincent Tarzia said.

“By pushing ahead with this critical piece of legislation, the Government’s part-time Child Protection Minister, Katrine Hildyard won’t have had the opportunity to do what she should have already done and listen to feedback outlined by the sector.

“This Minister is trying to outsource the Government’s job to the Opposition and the Cross Bench, rather than listening the vulnerable children and carers who this legislation impacts each and every day.

“Stakeholders have also been clear that their voices have fallen on deaf ears - putting the lives of vulnerable children at risk, which is completely unacceptable.”

Shadow Minister for Child Protection, Josh Teague added that this legislation is a missed opportunity to prevent future tragedies and change the way in which South Australia’s in-crisis child protection system operates.

“The submissions made by 55 carers and stakeholders lay bare the absence of real reform as the Bill presently stands,” Mr Teague said.

“What’s clear is that children and families, and those dedicated to their care, are galvanised in their determination to see better from this Government, and most importantly, this Minister.

“Child protection legislation is highly complex and needs a considered approach to any amendments that are put forward.

“These are South Australia’s most vulnerable children, and they deserve measures that safeguard them.

“Labor’s attempt to ram this legislation through is putting a band-aid on a broken system, avoiding the hard work of genuine reform.

“The system is broken, and we shouldn’t rush through the opportunity to fix it.”