Ms CARNEY - 2009-02-17
On the weekend, a gang of young children smashed their way into the Living Waters Primary School in Alice Springs and stole pens, paints and a number of other items. These children ranged in age from four to 10 - young kids. Children so young being involved in such serious criminal activity almost certainly lack proper parental supervision and are in need of an intervention from government. Have these children been declared at risk by the Department of Children and Families and, if not, what action will your department take in relation to these children?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. It is, naturally, concerning that any child across the Northern Territory is caught up in issues that require the police to be involved, with behaviour that is most questionable and, at the worst, entering into areas of crime. I can say, for the record, regarding the particular incident that the member refers to, that an investigation is ongoing. That is all I would like to say in regard to that particular case. I am happy to brief the member as we go along with that from here on.
It is alarming and I am very concerned, as the minister for Children, to hear of these reports. However, I am also very confident that we have members on this side of the House - and I know on the other side of the House - who are prepared to work with me in tackling these very difficult challenges that we have with many of our families across the Northern Territory.
We have identified a number of families within Central Australia and are trying to work with those families. In my role as the Minister for Children and Families in the Northern Territory, I make it categorically clear to this House that I am particularly passionate about wanting to work with every single family who is involved and who needs this support through my department. I am confident in the work of my department, knowing that they are committed. They know what I expect of them and want from them. In my travels across the Northern Territory, I have made it abundantly clear to every single employee that I have been able to meet, that they have my full support. At the same time, I request from them a considered report on what is going on across the Northern Territory, because we have to recognise the challenges that are facing our children of today.
I am very dedicated and want to provide the support and information that is required to any member of this House in regard to assisting me to ensure these families get the support they need to get on the right track.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for her question. It is, naturally, concerning that any child across the Northern Territory is caught up in issues that require the police to be involved, with behaviour that is most questionable and, at the worst, entering into areas of crime. I can say, for the record, regarding the particular incident that the member refers to, that an investigation is ongoing. That is all I would like to say in regard to that particular case. I am happy to brief the member as we go along with that from here on.
It is alarming and I am very concerned, as the minister for Children, to hear of these reports. However, I am also very confident that we have members on this side of the House - and I know on the other side of the House - who are prepared to work with me in tackling these very difficult challenges that we have with many of our families across the Northern Territory.
We have identified a number of families within Central Australia and are trying to work with those families. In my role as the Minister for Children and Families in the Northern Territory, I make it categorically clear to this House that I am particularly passionate about wanting to work with every single family who is involved and who needs this support through my department. I am confident in the work of my department, knowing that they are committed. They know what I expect of them and want from them. In my travels across the Northern Territory, I have made it abundantly clear to every single employee that I have been able to meet, that they have my full support. At the same time, I request from them a considered report on what is going on across the Northern Territory, because we have to recognise the challenges that are facing our children of today.
I am very dedicated and want to provide the support and information that is required to any member of this House in regard to assisting me to ensure these families get the support they need to get on the right track.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016