Ms ANDERSON - 2010-08-18
When neither an alleged child abuse perpetrator, nor the child who has reported the abuse, are removed from a remote community during an ongoing investigation, what protective mechanisms has your department put in place to ensure the child’s safety?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I am well aware she raised this question during the Estimates Committee, and I asked her to speak to my director of children’s protection.
I also met with the police who investigated the case during my recent trip to Alice Springs. The police assured me the child, who the member had alleged was not interviewed by an appropriate translator or interpreter, had been interviewed by the appropriate interpreter. The police also advised me the reason the alleged perpetrator was not removed …
Ms ANDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! My question is specific as to whether the department has mechanisms in place to protect this child on a remote Aboriginal community. And yes, I received the letter from you about the interpreter but it was not the mother who interpreted and you flawed the investigation …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Macdonnell, resume your seat! That is not a point of order.
Mr VATSKALIS: I inquired with the police because I am really concerned about this kind of allegation. If an alleged perpetrator is still in the community, I certainly do not think it is appropriate. The police told me they interviewed the family and other people, but there was not sufficient evidence to press charges. In our system everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and there is no way, unless charges are pressed or unless a person is directed to go to court, a person can be directed to move out of a house or a community.
I strongly support the removal of perpetrators when they are found to be guilty but, unless it is found that a perpetrator, or any person, is found guilty it is very unreasonable, and it is against our principles, to demand this person is punished.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. I am well aware she raised this question during the Estimates Committee, and I asked her to speak to my director of children’s protection.
I also met with the police who investigated the case during my recent trip to Alice Springs. The police assured me the child, who the member had alleged was not interviewed by an appropriate translator or interpreter, had been interviewed by the appropriate interpreter. The police also advised me the reason the alleged perpetrator was not removed …
Ms ANDERSON: A point of order, Madam Speaker! My question is specific as to whether the department has mechanisms in place to protect this child on a remote Aboriginal community. And yes, I received the letter from you about the interpreter but it was not the mother who interpreted and you flawed the investigation …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Macdonnell, resume your seat! That is not a point of order.
Mr VATSKALIS: I inquired with the police because I am really concerned about this kind of allegation. If an alleged perpetrator is still in the community, I certainly do not think it is appropriate. The police told me they interviewed the family and other people, but there was not sufficient evidence to press charges. In our system everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and there is no way, unless charges are pressed or unless a person is directed to go to court, a person can be directed to move out of a house or a community.
I strongly support the removal of perpetrators when they are found to be guilty but, unless it is found that a perpetrator, or any person, is found guilty it is very unreasonable, and it is against our principles, to demand this person is punished.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016