Page 905 - Week 03 - Thursday, 14 April 1994

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8

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN. THIS AMENDMENT, TOGETHER WITH THOSE RELATING TO SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR BOTH THE DIRECTOR AND THE COMMUNITY ADVOCATE, WILL PROVIDE A CLEAR DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE ROLES OF THESE OFFICES.

MADAM SPEAKER, THESE BILLS WILL BRING THE A.C.T. MORE INTO LINE WITH OTHER AUSTRALIAN STATES AND THE NORTHERN TERRITORY (WHERE THERE IS ONLY ONE AGENCY WITH A STATUTORY ROLE) WHILE RETAINING AND STRENGTHENING THOSE ELEMENTS OF THE LEGISLATION WHICH ENABLE A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF CHECKS AND BALANCES TO FUNCTION ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN WITHIN THE CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM.

THE CHANGES ARE ALSO OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE IN THE LIGHT OF THE COMMUNITY LAW REFORM COMMITTEES REPORT ON MANDATORY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE IN THE A.C.T. WITH THIS LEGISLATION WE ARE BUILDING A ROBUST CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM IN ADVANCE OF MANDATORY REPORTING.

THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE BILLS WILL GREATLY IMPROVE THE CURRENT SYSTEM OF CHILD PROTECTION SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE A.C.T. BY REMOVING THE UNCERTAINTY AND DUPLICATION OF ROLES AND FUNCTIONS IN THIS AREA. THE BILLS HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THOSE WORKING IN THE CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM AND I COMMEND THEM TO ASSEMBLY MEMBERS.

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