Page 395 - Week 01 - Thursday, 16 February 2012
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This was in stark contrast to the assurances that I had been given two days earlier about all young people. The first young person in that category that I met after that briefing put the lie to the briefing I had received. That is why I will be vigilant to ensure that this minister complies with this legislation. This is another example of how this minister is a follower and not a leader.
However, it should not be for the non-government parties to set procedure, to be prescriptive and to set an agenda for the government, notwithstanding this government’s inability to get the job done. When the community are calling out for policy to be set and the government is not listening, the non-government parties have the right—indeed, the obligation—to the community to respond to that demand. The democratic processes of this Assembly will not allow this policy to pass unnoticed. But once the policy is passed it is the responsibility of the government to embrace that policy. I am telling you now, minister: it is your responsibility to embrace that policy and set up the processes that are required to deliver the outcomes that this policy requires.
In the detail stage Ms Hunter will introduce some amendments to the government’s bill. The Canberra Liberals will be supporting a number of these amendments, because we think that they will add value and clarity to the existing policy and to the overall philosophy of the Children and Young People Act; that of working in the best interests of the child and keeping the best interests of the child and young person as paramount. Those amendments will seek to strengthen the government’s bill and to provide an even better framework in which our young people can build their future. In the end we will have a piece of legislation that will better serve our young people and our young adults and give them a better chance in life, and we owe them that much. It is now up to the government to deliver on the outcomes.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Leader, ACT Greens) (5.50): Young people leaving state out-of-home care are arguably one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in society. In comparison to most young people, they face difficulties in accessing education, employment, housing and other developmental opportunities. The social and economic costs associated with the current failure to provide leaving care and post-care support to care leavers are significant for the individuals involved and the broader community.
This issue has been around for a long time, and for far too long our community has not been doing the best it can by this particular group of vulnerable young people. I am very pleased that today we are finally addressing this shortcoming, and I am very proud that the Greens have played an important role in bringing about change and ensuring that better services are provided.
The issue of young people who are transitioning from out-of-home care into adulthood is well researched and, in many regards, well understood. There is currently unprecedented policy interest in the transition of young people from state care, and no shortage of academic research and information available from people who work in the field. However, both nationally and within the ACT, little has been done to strengthen the supports and assistance available to young people and young adults leaving care.
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