SPRINGBORG TO GUT QUEENSLAND’S CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM

Lawrence Springborg’s child safety policy will gut Queensland’s child protection system, Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech said today.

Mrs Keech said the Nationals planned to cut crucial support staff.

“The Nationals’ policy will take frontline staff away from their core business – protecting vulnerable children,” she said.

“When Mr Springborg swings his axe no Queensland family will be safe.

“Mr Springborg will force frontline staff to perform support roles.

“And while he says he’ll be training staff, he would actually prevent new staff receiving the training they need to make them job-ready.

“If this plan is part of his productivity dividend savings, it is ill-conceived and doomed to failure.

“What it does confirm is his plan to cut 12,000 public service jobs.”

Mrs Keech said more than 80 per cent of Child Safety staff are in front-line or front line service delivery roles.

“Which staff will Mr Springborg cut?,” she asked.

“Specialist support team members – who provide specialist services to keep babies and toddlers safe?

“Placement support unit members – who find foster placements for children?

“Record keeping staff - who do the work that would take Child Safety Officers from the front line?

“These are the very staff who allow Child Safety Officers to focus on protecting children from abuse.

“Mr Springborg wants to cut them and undo four years of Labor’s work in creating and developing Australia’s first stand alone Department of Child Safety.

“In one fell swoop all this good work – and the better outcomes for children – will be gone under Lawrence Springborg.

“Child Safety Officers will be forced to do the support work and would have less time to protect Queensland’s most vulnerable children.”

Mrs Keech said Mr Springborg had promised nothing new in prevention and early intervention.

“The Bligh Government already invests almost $130 million on prevention and early intervention programs,” she said.

“Child Safety already invests $10.5 million in an early intervention and prevention unit.

“This has been increased by $2 million this year and will increase by another $2 million next year.

“My department also funds around $9 million per annum on counselling and support including specialised sexual abuse counselling.”

ENDS

Media Contact: Matthew Hyde 3224 7081