Page 5911 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 8 December 2010
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I want to see cultural change now. I want outcomes and understanding now, and I want these delivered soon.
I would like to note that one of the concerns that has been raised has been staff shortages amongst youth workers that have been experienced at Bimberi from time to time. This was acted on some months ago through a significant recruitment campaign, which resulted in the recruitment of nine youth workers, who are on the verge of starting work, as I have said. The new recruits will commence on Monday, 13 December. I am advised that this will end the need to engage private security guards on night shifts when Bimberi is understaffed, which was one of the concerns brought to my attention and which I agree is undesirable. In recognition of the ongoing high numbers of young people in Bimberi, an additional recruitment campaign has commenced. I anticipate that the new recruits will commence their training in January.
In addition to the work that I announced yesterday and in relation to this inquiry—I welcome a broader inquiry into youth justice—I have also asked the department to look at youth justice and diversion options. Next week I am hoping to be able to release a discussion paper calling for comments. This will provide worthwhile information about how we provide a solid and responsive youth justice system.
For some weeks and months now, I have been talking to the department about how we best progress identifying and coming to the bottom of some underlying causes of concerns being raised. That work has been ongoing, in my mind, for some time. It has resulted in the work that I put forward yesterday and the recruitment of Mr O’Neill to do that work; I have recognised that there are some policies and practices that need to be reviewed, enhanced and reconsidered.
Bimberi should be a place that affords the young residents there opportunity for rehabilitation and restoration. We need to look at the teaching and learning environments and we need to look at the programs that are delivered there—all of that. But we also need to know how we work with the youth workers there and how they are provided with a safe, supported work environment.
I dismiss the need for a royal commission of inquiry under the Inquiries Act. I will not oppose any recommendation; in fact, I would welcome a recommendation for an independent review. I will give absolute assurance that that will be independent and that anyone participating in that review will be provided with all the confidence and security that they require. (Time expired.)
Debate (on motion by Mr Rattenbury) adjourned to a later hour.
Gaming Machine (Problem Gambling Assistance) Amendment Bill 2010
Clause 1.
Debate resumed from 17 November 2010.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella) (11.26): I move:
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