Vulnerable Children

Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader and Human Services spokesperson

There are few roles within government as important as the independent Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens' Leader 

It is a sad day for Tasmania's children and young people with the sudden resignation of Commissioner, Mark Morrissey.

Over three years in the position, Mr Morrissey has been the strongest possible advocate for all Tasmania's children and young people, but most specifically those at risk of neglect, abuse, homelessness and a child safety system that is failing them.

Tasmania is losing the experience and skills of a dedicated, highly qualified professional in a portfolio that is crying out for strong advocacy. 

Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader and Human Services spokesperson

Late yesterday, the Tasmanian Greens finally received the response to a Right to Information request we lodged on the 22nd of November last year.  It was almost three months behind the timeframe for the release of information under the Act, despite the fact an extension had not been granted.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader and Human Services spokesperson

The Liberals have instituted a culture of secrecy and contempt for Right to Information which is infecting the entire government.  Minister Petrusma’s approach to Right to Information is just the latest example of a government prepared to break the law to hide its secrets.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader and Human Services spokesperson

Premier Will Hodgman yesterday used weasel words to suggest his government would in fact not be implementing and funding all seven of the Commissioner for Children and Young People's recommendations, directly contradicting his Minister for Human Services.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader and Human Services spokesperson

The report into Tasmania’s crisis-driven child protection and out of home care system by the Commissioner for Children and Young People demands urgent attention.

For too long, the State has failed vulnerable children and young people in its care.  In some cases, such as the Safe Pathways scandal, the State stands guilty of neglect.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader and Human Services spokesperson

Five months after concerns were first raised with the government about the treatment of vulnerable children in the care of for-profit provider, Safe Pathways, many questions remain unanswered.

While 11 children have been removed from Safe Pathways following scandalous allegations of neglect of children and young people, the organisation is still apparently operating in Tasmania and Tasmanians are being kept in the dark.

Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens' Leader and Human Services spokesperson

Chronic, systemic underfunding of child protection in Tasmania has laid the ground for businesses to profit from the abuse and neglect of children who are in the Out of Home Care system.