Two years since starting a child protection legislation review, Labor is are still no closer to finalising it.
LNP Shadow Minister for Child Safety Ros Bates said Labor was dragging the chain on critical updates to child protection legislation, putting kids at risk.
“Two years to review a piece of legislation says Labor are not serious about continuing important reforms from the Carmody Inquiry,” Ms Bates said.
“A full review of the Child Protection Act 1999 was a key recommendation of the child protection inquiry and since Labor came to power they have been slow to act.
“Given some of the tough changes needed around transparency and permanent placements, it’s clearly all too hard for this embattled minister to make a decision.”
Ms Bates said the child safety system has descended into crisis in just two short years of Labor government.
“With no major legislative changes since the LNP’s tranche in 2014, the system is now going nowhere,” Ms Bates said.
“Other states have already made major changes to the way child protection responds to permanency planning.
“On top of that, Carmody recommended changes to how child deaths were reported and an opening up of information following a child death.
“This review is one of 200 now chalked up on Labor’s watch and one that has been kicked into the long grass.
“While Labor dithers, children suffer and our child safety system spirals further into crisis.”
