Page 17 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 25 February 2014
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What is even more astounding is that the remainder of the minister’s comments on the CIT report would lead us to believe that all matters are now resolved. Let me be clear: they are not. Several matters—nearly one-quarter of the original complainants, including some that involve allegations against current serving senior managers—remain under investigation years after being raised.
I do not accept that the minister’s response is acceptable or credible. The reason so much guilt falls to this minister is that there is no way she could not have been aware of the problems. These problems originated under Mr Barr’s term; they continued under Minister Bourke and finally culminated in a report handed down on Minister Burch’s watch.
WorkSafe ACT had already delivered a stinging critique of CIT management, as did the former education minister, Dr Bourke, when he issued an improvement notice, both of which were necessary because CIT simply did not accept that it had a problem. As far back as 2009 under Minister Barr this was a well-known and canvassed issue. Dr Bourke’s actions need to be recognised. After many calls from the opposition he was the first education minister to at least start the process of scrutiny. Minister Burch’s response in contrast is based entirely on self-preservation—it is all bluff and bluster as this minister fails time and again to deal with the issues in her portfolio.
I repeat, Madam Speaker, these are not issues relating to pure politics; they are serious and damaging to real people, their health and their very livelihood and under this minister their feeling of being ignored and disrespected has continued. This was not and never has been a small number of complaints; these were not and never have been “just some issues” and they were not and never have been properly dealt with.
Throughout my advocacy and highlighting of the CIT issues of concern this minister has maintained a blustering and belligerent attitude that is both rude and reprehensible. She has gone so far as to try to deflect my criticism of her actions by accusing me of being anti CIT. Just for the record, as a former member of CIT Advisory Council I am very proud of the CIT and the contributions of the many committed staff over the years, and I have listened to all sides.
This minister’s transparent political ploy does nothing to address the real issues or, sadly, prevent the same problems occurring in the future. Indeed, I continue to be appalled at this minister’s lack of empathy or ability in dealing with this issue. I am not convinced that some of the victims have yet received the appropriate recognition of their trauma, and I will do everything I can to make sure that their number is not added to.
Sadly, as we are hearing today, this is only one of many examples that highlight her inability to maintain ministerial office. It is time someone took responsibility for Ms Burch’s actions. We call on the Chief Minister to do so. If we continue to paper over what is a serious structural flaw, the problem will get worse. This is an absolute and undeniable truth.
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