Page 1020 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 30 March 2011
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of their participation in the inquiry. However, I am very concerned that neither DHCS nor DET appear to have gone out of their way to ensure that that perception could not be created. There is new evidence or information that has been put forward by the minister in her speech this morning. It would have been very helpful if the minister and Minister Barr had, in fact, given us that information yesterday.
Anyone who believes they have been unfairly treated or discriminated against as a result of their participation in the inquiry should be encouraged to formally lodge a complaint with the human rights commissioner for formal investigation and assistance. Again, I reiterate that this is one of the significant strengths of the commission process.
There have been a number of other serious allegations of violence and bullying perpetrated both by and against staff and residents. One key issue that this highlights is that all staff need to be made acutely aware of their mandatory reporting obligations set out in the Children and Young People Act. They have an obligation to report suspected abuse to the chief executive of the department. This can be done through the child protection unit. It should also be noted that where a staff member is concerned that an alleged offence has not been followed up properly they can take that matter to the police.
Other process issues that are concerning relate to suicide prevention and case management practices. I reiterate the comments I made yesterday that the implications of the minister’s statement to the Assembly are concerning. I found the references to working on establishing a vocational program for all young people, the implementation of suicide awareness training and case conferences for all sentenced young people by 31 March extremely concerning.
These few things I have pulled out are a bare minimum when we think about what young people in the youth justice system should have access to. This is youth work 101 and yet here we are decades later still trying to implement some of the most basic of youth work practice. This is a ridiculous situation that indicates to me we are placing young people into a lock and key culture where rehabilitation is considered last of all.
I think we all acknowledged that there remain cultural problems within some parts of the administration of Bimberi. I recognise that there are several new appointments and that these are an encouraging step towards changing that culture. But at the same time, after listening to the statement made by the minister on the Bimberi reviews into the incident on 5 February, I was despondent. I heard what I consider to be an appallingly poor reflection on the current situation within Bimberi.
Cultural change is always very difficult. The move into Bimberi was a chance to change, and that does not appear to have been as successful as expected. This only adds to the importance of this inquiry in achieving that change. The first step is to recognise the problems and ensure that everyone working there is aware that we know of the problems and that those staff who are not part of that culture are actively supported and significant measures are put in place to listen to any concerns as they arise and actively respond to any issues promptly.
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