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Children and Young People
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Budget ReplyEvery year at Budget time the Greens do the work to lay out a clear, big hearted, evidence based alternative plan for Tasmania. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 31 May 2023 |
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Commission of Inquiry ExtensionThe Greens acknowledge and respect the Commission of Inquiry’s request to extend their reporting deadline. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 4 Apr 2023 |
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Child and Youth Safe Organisations Bill 2022We are at this point because the state of Tasmania, governments, community organisations, people from across the community, have failed children over decades. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 30 Mar 2023 |
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Rockliff Must Act on CCYP Report FindingsThe Commissioner for Children and Young People report into Tasmania’s out-of-home care system is troubling, and its findings demand urgent action Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 15 Mar 2023 |
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ROGS Confirm Child Safety Record Going Rapidly BackwardsToday’s Productivity Commission Report on Government Services (RoGS) again highlights the Rockliff Government’s appalling child safety record. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 24 Jan 2023 |
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No child should spend Christmas in prison, Greens call for urgent release of child prisoners from AshleyThe Greens are calling for children imprisoned at Ashley Youth Detention Centre to be allowed wherever possible to spend Christmas at home with their families Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 19 Dec 2022 |
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Children at Covid Risk, as Liberals Plan to Axe TestingUnvaccinated Tasmanian children under five years are at higher risk of serious Covid complications, but have been abandoned by the Rockliff Government. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 6 Dec 2022 |
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UN Committee Recommendations Must Be Urgently AddressedThe UN Committee against Torture’s concluding observations on the sixth periodic report of Australia provides substantive recommendations for Tasmania. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 28 Nov 2022 |
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Draft Youth Justice Blueprint a Good Plan, But no Immediate SolutionWhile the draft plan represents a major shift for youth justice and lays out the steps forward, it doesn’t solve Tasmania’s current youth justice failings. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 22 Nov 2022 |
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Recognising National Survivors' DayToday we recognise the pain and honour the courage of all survivors of sexual assault and institutional abuse. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 15 Nov 2022 |
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Tasmanian Amnesty Southern Group - PetitionChildren in Tasmania can be criminalised in the justice system from the age of 10. From the age of 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 10 Nov 2022 |
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Apology to Victim and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual AbuseJoining us in Parliament, out on the lawns, over at Elizabeth St Pier & on screens across the country, are Tasmanians - victim survivors & people who love them. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 8 Nov 2022 |
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Ashley Youth Detention Centre - LockdownsChildren are again being locked up at Ashley for 23 hours in a day because you cannot properly staff the place. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 25 Oct 2022 |
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AYDC Lockdowns Demand Immediate Action from Premier RockliffRevelations that children at Ashley Youth Detention Centre are once again facing rolling lockdowns of 23 hours a day are disturbing and distressing. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 24 Oct 2022 |
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Child Safety Ignored by Rockliff GovernmentAcross Tasmania, child safety workers have walked off the job today due to the Liberals’ failure to resource this critical service. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 5 Oct 2022 |
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Child and Youth Safe Organisations Bill 2022We note this bill is substantially more detailed than the 13-page threadbare draft Child Safe Organisations Bill 2020. Cassy O'Connor MP | Submission | 27 Sep 2022 |
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National Child Protection WeekWith the backdrop of the Commission of Inquiry, this National Child Protection Week is a particularly sombre one in Tasmania Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 5 Sep 2022 |
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Where are Labor as Tasmania is in Crisis?The role of an opposition is to hold government to account on critical matters of public interest. That is not the case in Tasmania’s Parliament. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 23 Aug 2022 |
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Liberals Fail to Reassure Tasmanians on Ashley ClosureThe Rockliff Government, particularly Minister Roger Jaensch, have been dragging their collective heels on closing the Ashley Youth Detention Centre for a year. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 23 Aug 2022 |
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Ministerial Statement – Commission of Inquiry Interim ResponseThis is a very significant statement from the Premier that wraps up a number of necessary and, in a number of cases, long overdue reforms. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Aug 2022 |
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Mask Wearing in Schools Necessary for WinterThe Victorian Education Department is protecting young Victorians during the current Covid wave by requiring all students aged 8 and over to wear masks. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 19 Jul 2022 |
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Estimates Reply - JaenschWe started our questioning of Minister Jaensch around evidence that was given to the commission of inquiry. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Jun 2022 |
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Prevention of Family Violence – Impacts on Young PeopleI wonder whether you have had further correspondence with Dr Hobbs? Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 9 Jun 2022 |
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Jaensch's Shameful SecrecyMinisterRoger Jaensch has refused to answer critical questions in Budget Estimates about staff who are stood down for child sexual abuse matters Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 8 Jun 2022 |
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Budget Reply 2022-23So much has changed since the Tasmanian Greens handed down our last evidence-based and fully costed Alternative Budget late last year. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 1 Jun 2022 |
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Unsafe Rush to Face to Face Learning Has Predictable OutcomeSchool has been back for less than a week and seven Tasmanian schools have reported Covid outbreaks Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 15 Feb 2022 |
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As Covid Surges, Serious Questions Remain Over School ReturnEducation Minister Courtney needs to explain in detail how children can be kept safe in our schools during this escalating Covid outbreak Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 10 Jan 2022 |
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Archer Must Rethink Age of Criminal ResponsibilityThe Attorney-General’s decision to only raise the age to 12, instead of 14, is indefensible. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 16 Nov 2021 |
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Student Safeguards Must be in Place by New School YearTasmanian parents need greater reassurance that their children are safe in the state’s public school system. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 10 Nov 2021 |
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Climate Change - Young People and Mental Health ConcernsMinister, young people across the planet are suffering enormous anxiety and distress over the climate crisis. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Sep 2021 |
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Comments made by Mr Ellis - Children and Climate ChangeMr Ellis, when he stood up before, made the most grotesque assertion and a complete untruth. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 15 Sep 2021 |
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Estimates Reply – Minister Courtney12 minutes at a minimum of the time devoted to the scrutiny of the Children and Youth portfolio went to Liberal backbencher questions. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 15 Sep 2021 |
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Native Forest LoggingYoung Tasmanians overwhelmingly want an end to native forest logging. They want that carbon kept in the ground in order for them to have a safe climate future. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 15 Sep 2021 |
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Police, Fire and Emergency Management - Strip SearchesThe Examiner reported on information about the numbers of invasive strip searches of children and young people continuing in the youth detention system. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 9 Sep 2021 |
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Education - Students and ClimateEco anxiety is something that the Premier talked about yesterday in the Climate portfolio and it is a recognised psychological diagnostic area. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 7 Sep 2021 |
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Education - Child and Family Learning Centre Specialist StaffThe Budget provides funding to replicate the support and wellbeing team model in the Child and Family Learning Centres. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 7 Sep 2021 |
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Mental Health and Wellbeing - Child and Adolescent Mental Health ServicesPESRAC recommended that the CAMHS reforms be accelerated and implemented as soon as possible and they set out a number of phases. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 6 Sep 2021 |
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Greens Celebrate Ashley Youth Detention Centre ClosureOn behalf of the Greens and the children of lutruwita/Tasmania, I thank Peter Gutwein for making the long-needed decision to close Ashley Youth Detention Centre Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 9 Sep 2021 |
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Custodial Inspector’s Report Confirms Ashley Must CloseAnother Custodial Inspector report, another swathe of critical failures at Ashley Youth Detention Centre (AYCD) have been exposed. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 4 Mar 2021 |
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Shelton Must Review Police Procedures on Child Abuse InvestigationsPolice Minister, Mark Shelton refused to acknowledge police policies or procedures should be reviewed and changed. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 1 Dec 2020 |
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Mental Health and Wellbeing – Children and Adolescent Mental Health ServicesThe CAMHS reforms are very welcome and we welcome the fact that they were all accepted. It's very important that they were. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 24 Nov 2020 |
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Brahminy Review Must Be Independent, ComprehensiveThe internal review into the Brahminy program is inadequate, and the Minister should announce an independent, comprehensive review. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 6 Oct 2020 |
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Children’s Commissioner Must Have Oversight Over All Out-of-home CareThe Commissioner for Children and Young People’s oversight of the out-of-home care system is critical in making sure children are cared for properly. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 1 Oct 2020 |
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Gutwein Government Must Investigate Brahminy Program, Bring Tasmanian Kids HomeThe Gutwein Government needs to explain why it’s sending vulnerable young Tasmanians to a controversial and isolated Northern Territory intervention program. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 29 Sep 2020 |
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Evidence (Children and Special Witnesses) Amendment Bill 2020While we are enacting a pilot witness intermediary scheme, I have no doubt that the scheme will prove to be of significant benefit to survivors and victims. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 15 Sep 2020 |
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Jaensch Fails to Rule Out Child Safety CutsThe Minister for Human Services failed to answer important questions about cuts to Child Safety Services in State Parliament today. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 20 Aug 2020 |
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Minister Must Explain COVID Child Safety ResponseThe Minister for Human Services must explain why vulnerable children were unable to access safe accommodation or key support services during COVID restrictions. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 6 Aug 2020 |
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Leaders Must Listen to Young People in COVID-19 RebuildThe Greens welcome the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s 'Listening to Children and Young People in Tasmania Report 2019'. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 14 May 2020 |
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Plan Needed to Protect Vulnerable Children During COVID-19 PandemicOur child protection services were already struggling, but COVID-19 is exacerbating the situation. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 20 Mar 2020 |
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Wellbeing of Young TasmaniansThe Commissioner for Children and Young People paints a mixed picture of Tasmania’s progress on the wellbeing of young Tasmanians. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 11 Feb 2020 |
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Jaensch Confirms by Omission His Office Requested Ashley RedactionsThe Minister responsible for the Ashley Youth Detention Centre refused to honestly answer a simple, direct question from the Greens. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 29 Oct 2019 |
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Liberals' Clumsy Attempts to Cover Up Ashley ScandalThe Liberals have attempted, and failed, to redact some of the shameful results of an independent inspection of Ashley Youth Detention Centre. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 17 Oct 2019 |
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Commissioner Children and Young People Ambassador ProgramI will take the opportunity to talk about the Commissioner Children and Young People's outstanding Ambassador Program. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Oct 2019 |
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Estimates Reply - Minister FergusonChair, I will reflect on some of the enlightening conversations I had with the minister in his capacity as the Minister for Health. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 12 Jun 2019 |
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Mental HealthWe have a situation where young people and children are admitted in mental health distress into wards for adults. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 11 Jun 2019 |
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Child and Youth Mental HealthNew beds will be progressively rolled out from 2020-21, including 10 new intensive care unit beds and a dedicated 16-bed adolescent unit. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 30 May 2019 |
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Child and Youth Mental Health60,000 Tasmanians live in mental health distress every year. They suffer financial distress and social and financial impacts on their families and communities. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 30 May 2019 |
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Budget 2019-20 - Mental Health FacilitiesIn 2015 Coroner Olivia McTaggart recommended a dedicated inpatient unit be built for young people who suffer mental illness or suicidality. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 30 May 2019 |
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Commissioner for Children's Advice on Strip SearchesWe welcome the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s advice to government on strip searches of children and young people. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 7 May 2019 |
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Slow, Systemic Reforms Won't Fix Systemic Under-funding of Child ProtectionTasmanian children and young people are being let down day after day as a result of persistent under-resourcing by the Hodgman Liberal Government. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 13 Mar 2019 |
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Minister Jaensch Clutching at StrawsThe waiting list for housing is not falling, fewer people are being housed and less Tasmanians assisted to go in to the private rental market. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 11 Jan 2019 |
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Appointment of the New Commissioner for Children and Young PeopleThere are few roles within government as important as the independent Commissioner for Children and Young People. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 19 Nov 2018 |
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At Risk Children and Young People Still Let DownTasmania’s under-resourced child protection system continues to let down at risk children and young people. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 31 Aug 2018 |
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Child Safety Services - ResourcingThe evidence strongly suggests an under-resourced agency was unable to respond in time possibly to save the child's life. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 17 Oct 2017 |
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Actions of Minister PetrusmaWe have just heard the Minister for Human Services try to justify not telling parliament the truth over the wellbeing of 11 at-risk children. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 8 Aug 2017 |
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Child Protection - Safe PathwaysLeaked departmental documents show the Minister misled parliament over the wellbeing of 11 children who had been placed with Safe Pathways last year. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 8 Aug 2017 |
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A Critical time for Tasmania's ChildrenTasmania's child safety workers are at the absolute front line of protecting children from abuse and neglect. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 6 Sep 2017 |
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Resignation of the Commissioner for ChildrenIt is a sad day for Tasmania's children and young people with the sudden resignation of Commissioner, Mark Morrissey. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 3 Aug 2017 |
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Youth At Risk Strategy Undermined by 'Tough on Crime' LiberalsThe Tasmanian Greens welcome the belated release of the government's Youth at Risk Strategy. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 7 Jun 2017 |
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Child Protection - Safe Pathways Still in OperationAn email sent to staff on 13 March makes clear that Safe Pathways is still doing business here. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Mar 2017 |
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Child Protection - Right to Information RequestsThe Greens' Safe Pathways right to information request was lodged on 22 November last year. It is now two and a half months overdue. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 8 Mar 2017 |
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Liberals Treat Public's Right to Know with ContemptLate yesterday, the Tasmanian Greens finally received the response to a Right to Information request we lodged on the 22nd of November last year. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 10 Mar 2017 |
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Liberals Break Right to Information LawThe Liberals have instituted a culture of secrecy and contempt for Right to Information which is infecting the entire government. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 8 Mar 2017 |
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Premier Hodgman Undercuts Human Services Minister on Child ProtectionAfter the Safe Pathways scandal and evidence the State neglected children in its care, this is a completely unacceptable response from the Premier. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 1 Feb 2017 |
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Commissioner for Children's Report Exposes Urgent Need for FundingThe report into Tasmania’s child protection and out of home care system by the Commissioner for Children and Young People demands urgent attention. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 31 Jan 2017 |
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RoGS Reinforces Government's Failure to Keep Vulnerable Children SafeThe RoGS chapter on child protection services released today illustrates enduring and serious issues that need to be sensitively examined and addressed. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 24 Jan 2017 |
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Still Too Many Unanswered Questions on Safe PathwaysFive months after concerns were first raised with the government about the treatment of vulnerable children in the care of Safe Pathways, many questions remain. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 15 Jan 2017 |
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1000 Days in Which Vulnerable Children Have Been Put More At RiskThe Liberals sure do have a hide, crowing about their response to vulnerable people over their 1000 days in office. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 8 Dec 2016 |
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Petrusma's Child Protection CrisisIn the past year, the average number of children waiting each day for a response from Child Protection has increased from 15.5 to 65.5. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 7 Dec 2016 |
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Child Protection - Safe PathwaysThis week, the manifest failings of Tasmania's child protection and out-of-home-care system were revealed to a national audience and to Tasmanians. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 17 Nov 2016 |
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Child Protection - Safe PathwaysCould you please detail to the House when the funding agreement with Safe Pathways commenced and the total value of this agreement? Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Nov 2016 |
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Safe Pathways Funding not Reaching KidsYesterday the Minister told the House all 11 children currently in the care of Safe Pathways would be visited by a Child Protection officer. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 16 Nov 2016 |
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Child Protection - Safe PathwaysI listened very carefully to your response to the Opposition Leader's questions on Safe Pathways and the allegations raised in Four Corners last night. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 15 Nov 2016 |
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No Role for Profit Making in Child ProtectionChronic, systemic underfunding of child protection in Tasmania has laid the ground for businesses to profit from the abuse and neglect of children. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 16 Nov 2016 |
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Sentencing Advisory Council Rejects Mandatory SentencesThe Sentencing Advisory Council has stood its ground and hit back at the Liberals’ politically motivated stunt. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Media Release | 15 Nov 2016 |
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Minister Evades Question on Number of Children Waiting for Family Violence CounsellingFormer Australian of the Year, Rosie Batty, will today launch the Children and Young People's Unique Experience of Family Violence report. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 20 Sep 2016 |
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Children Exposed to Family Violence Slipping Through Large Service GapsRosie Batty launched the Commissioner for Children’s report, ‘Children and Young People’s Unique Experience of Family Violence' today. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 20 Sep 2016 |
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Greens Release Costed Plan to Close AshleyThe evidence is clear that Ashley represents a failed model for youth justice. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 10 Sep 2016 |
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Ashley Review Builds Case for ClosureThe Independent Review of Ashley Youth Detention Centre makes it clear the model for dealing with young offenders in Tasmania has failed. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 1 Sep 2016 |
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Acute Crisis Care in Tasmanian HospitalsI have noticed a couple of concerning things in the paediatric areas of the North West Regional Hospital and the Launceston General Hospital. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 25 Aug 2016 |
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Ashley Youth Detention CentreThe Greens recognise that the Minister and her agency have taken this matter very seriously. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 19 Aug 2016 |
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Greens Release Alternative to Lower School Age Policy InitiativePublic concern is growing over the Liberal Government's plan to lower the mandatory school starting age. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 6 Aug 2016 |
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State Budget: Address in ReplyIt continues a long-standing tradition of the Tasmanian Greens to present an alternative vision for the future of Tasmania. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 31 May 2016 |
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Teen Challenge Won't Welcome Everyone to Meander Rehab CentreWhen the state decided to sell the site, Teen Challenge saw an opportunity and orchestrated the outcome which has now been presented. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 15 Jun 2016 |
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Rockliff Feels Heat on Education Act ChangesThe Minister of Education tried to reassure Tasmanian parents about changes to the Education Act, due to be debated in the next session of Parliament. Andrea Dawkins | Media Release | 14 Jun 2016 |
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My Education Website Poor Alternative to Pathway PlannersStudents, parents and educators were shocked when the Government axed the highly effective pathway planners in 2014. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 26 May 2016 |
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National Council of Women of Tasmaniahe National Council of Women of Tasmania celebrated its 117th annual report for its 118th year this year. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP | Parliamentary Activity | 24 May 2016 |
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State of the State Address in ReplyOn behalf of the Tasmanian Greens MPs, I pay respect to the palawa/pakana people of Tasmania, to their treasured elders, past and present. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 15 Mar 2016 |
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Family Violence and the Link with Animal CrueltyWe have learnt from the survivors of violence about the implicit nature of our society's acceptance of that violence. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 8 Mar 2016 |
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Children's Commissioner Questions School DiscriminationTasmania's Commissioner for Children has expressed concern about allowing religious schools to discriminate against students of different backgrounds. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 17 Nov 2015 |
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Every Child Succeeds InitiativeAnglicare's Every Child Succeeds initiativ, forms part of the Communities for Children program funded by the federal government. Andrea Dawkins | Parliamentary Activity | 13 Oct 2015 |
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Child Protection Review Exposes Lack of ResourcesThe report in to the failure to investigate 151 child protection notifications in the North West has exposed that resourcing is a serious issue. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 27 Aug 2015 |
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Child ProtectionIt is almost three weeks since the department first became aware of the child protection system's failure to follow up on at least 151 child protection alerts. Cassy O'Connor MP | Parliamentary Activity | 19 Aug 2015 |
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Minister Petrusma Gave Us No ChoiceThe three Greens MPs met this morning and agreed that we would keep an open mind on the likely no confidence Motion to be brought on by Labor. Cassy O'Connor MP | Media Release | 20 Aug 2015 |