Mrs PADGHAM-PURICH - 1996-10-10
Is the minister aware that there are school counsellors at high schools in the Northern Territory who openly encourage family break-ups? This occurs because these counsellors appear to take as gospel everything told to them by students who are disaffected with the ordinary, everyday strictures of family life, without consultation with their families to hear the whole story. Instead of a sensible attempt at mediation being made, students are being advised to leave home, get a government allowance and live rent-free in a government home with no lifestyle supervision. What consideration will the minister give to this serious matter?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, the member for Nelson generalised the content of her question, suggesting that she was referring to a number of counsellors. I am aware of one particular allegation against a counsellor ...
Mrs Padgham-Purich: That counsellor dealt with more than one student.
Mr FINCH: The allegation has been investigated by departmental officers. That investigation has indicated to date that there is no factual basis for the allegation.
Mrs Padgham-Purich: That is not what I have heard.
Mr FINCH: If the honourable member has evidence other than what has been brought to my attention, she is not only more than welcome, but indeed has a responsibility, to bring it forward. I am not suggesting that this particular counsellor is in any way implicated, but there
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is no room in our system for officers to work against the best interests of students or their families. I ask the honourable member to bring forward specific evidence or whatever else might warrant further pursuit. She may rest assured that it will be investigated absolutely thoroughly.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, the member for Nelson generalised the content of her question, suggesting that she was referring to a number of counsellors. I am aware of one particular allegation against a counsellor ...
Mrs Padgham-Purich: That counsellor dealt with more than one student.
Mr FINCH: The allegation has been investigated by departmental officers. That investigation has indicated to date that there is no factual basis for the allegation.
Mrs Padgham-Purich: That is not what I have heard.
Mr FINCH: If the honourable member has evidence other than what has been brought to my attention, she is not only more than welcome, but indeed has a responsibility, to bring it forward. I am not suggesting that this particular counsellor is in any way implicated, but there
Page 1667
is no room in our system for officers to work against the best interests of students or their families. I ask the honourable member to bring forward specific evidence or whatever else might warrant further pursuit. She may rest assured that it will be investigated absolutely thoroughly.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016