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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 6 Hansard (19 June) . . Page.. 2187 ..

(3) How do you equate your replies at (5) that "The Coroner's report from the recent inquest will identify any systems issues that require attention in regards to compelling mandatory reporting"and "A punitive approach to mandated reporters is inconsistent with the development of partnerships with the professional community".

(4) Also at (5) does the reference to the Coroner's report "from the recent inquest will identify any systems issues that require attention in regard to compelling mandatory reporting"indicate that:

a) there are deficiencies in the present mandatory reporting arrangements;

b) the Coroner's report already is available: and

c) if the Coroner's report is not available, what is the basis for answer quoted at (a) above.

(5) In relation to the community reporting "has resulted in more timely interventions in a number of matters"could you advise the number of such matters.

(6) In respect of the remarks at (5) that "No legal action has been taken against mandated persons in the ACT so far"and "A punitive approach to mandated reporters is inconsistent with the development of partnerships with the professional community"why should a repeal of mandatory reporting take into account the debate and enquiry topics listed in your reply at (6), namely:

a) the desired outcomes of mandatory reporting;

b) how these outcomes are best achieved;

c) how mandatory reporting assist these outcomes;

d) what other mechanisms assist these outcomes, and

e) what the overall benefits of mandatory reporting are.

Ms Gallagher

(1) Information was not provided on action taken in respect of the two children who died because the circumstances identify the individual children. The provisions relating to confidentiality contained in the Children and Young People Act 1999 do not permit Family Services to divulge information relating to individual children.

The department's current Child Protection Policy and Procedures Manual and key policy documents can be made available to you if you would like access to more detailed information about departmental processes. These are currently being reviewed in line with the revised Risk Assessment Framework.

(2) If it were to come to the attention of the Chief Executive that a mandatory reporter had formed a reasonable suspicion that abuse had occurred and a report was not made, the matter would be investigated further to determine a course of action. This may involve discussions with the police and the mandated person and agency. Where the matter was subject to a coronial inquest or other court process, these legal processes would determine the appropriate course of action.

(3) I reiterate, mandatory reporting is aimed at identifying and reporting hidden abuse and is one method in a broader range of strategies to help ensure children and young people are protected. The systems issues referred to relate to improving communication channels across agencies to ensure that all relevant information is shared in a timely manner.

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