Royal Commissioner Margaret Nyland is due to release her Child Protection Systems Report this Friday, August 5, 2016, and the South Australian Council of Social Service is urging the Government not to move towards implementation of any recommendations without due consultation.
SACOSS CEO Ross Womersley says, "It is imperative that the Government not act unilaterally on the implementation of Justice Nyland's recommendations. History shows that in so many instances Royal Commission recommendations have not been successfully implemented".
"We urge the Government to refrain from acting with undue haste, and instead we are asking for the establishment of a process involving substantial community input and involvement ."
SACOSS has welcomed Minister Susan Close's invitation to attend tomorrow's initial forum. We understand that the forum will be an opportunity to establish a plan for consultation, with invitations issued to representatives from agencies, and the non-government sector, including peak bodies such as SACOSS and the Child and Family Welfare Association of SA.
Ross Womersley says, "The forum is a good first step. This is an important issue and demands wide community attention and involvement. The non-government sector plays a critical role in child protection and they must be deeply involved in the implementation process."
"This is our one-time opportunity to get this right."
For further information/comment, contact:
Ross Womersley SACOSS CEO 0418 805 426
Tania Baxter SACOSS Communications Officer 0432 902 105