Page 475 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 20 February 2019
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MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Coe. He was talking about the feedback he had received in his substantive question as well. Can you continue in the time you have left, Mr Steel, about the feedback?
MR STEEL: As I mentioned, we received very positive feedback as a result of the festival concluding, and we look forward to further feedback being provided so that we can continue to enhance this fantastic community event. We look forward, with the extra funding, to making further enhancements as we continue to grow this festival and make sure that it remains in our community for many years to come.
Children and young people—care and protection
MRS KIKKERT: My question is to the Minister for Children, Youth and Families. On 17 February the Canberra Times reported on a care and protection case in which the ACT Court of Appeal concluded:
We do not consider that the finding … that the children were at risk … was correct.
According to the same article the government fought this outcome for five years. Minister, I am fully aware that the details of this matter are privileged information, but my question to you is: did the ACT government accept the decision of the ACT Court of Appeal? Yes or no?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I thank Mrs Kikkert for her question. The ACT government does not have an option but to accept a decision of the Court of Appeal. That matter, I understand, is being returned and is still under consideration. As Mrs Kikkert has noted, I am not able to comment on the detail of any particular case.
MRS KIKKERT: Minister, what specific steps are you taking as minister to scrutinise what exactly went wrong in this case and to prevent anything like it happening again?
MS STEPHEN-SMITH: I have been briefed on these matters as they have come forward. I am being a little cautious because, as we know, I am not able to comment on any particular case. So I will say that I am assured by the directorate, as per the comments that were provided to the Canberra Times, that decisions by caseworkers are made in the context of professional supervision, approved by an independent application review panel and on advice provided by the Government Solicitor, and frequently with independent legal advice.
It is very important to note in respect of the way this particular case was reported that only the court can make a care and protection order. This decision is based on the evidence that is put before the court. This means that the court must satisfy itself that a child is in need of care and protection. It is not up to child and youth protection services to make a care and protection order. That is a matter for the courts.
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