Page 2461 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 1 July 2008

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with the specialised team at ACT Policing that deals with child protection matters. In fact, in light of some of the issues that have come to our attention through the particular case that Mrs Dunne refers to, we have sought and have actually met with the police just to work through whether there are any issues that need to be resolved. It was an unusual case in that it was not the child protection team that responded in this particular case. That did lead to the child protection police who we normally work with very closely not dealing with this matter. As late as today, the chief executive of disability, housing and community services has met with ACT Policing to continue to look at that and work through any issues that have been raised by this case.

MR SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Dunne.

MRS DUNNE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, are you satisfied with the process between your department and ACT Policing, and are you satisfied that it was managed effectively in this instance?

MS GALLAGHER: I think there have been some issues brought to our attention through this particular case and the fact that the police who specialise in care and protection matters were not the police that responded in this instance. It has brought to our attention a number of areas that we want to work through further with the police. The police have been more than happy to assist disability, housing and community services with that. We will continue to work through that. But the concerns that I had that were shared by the chief executive have been brought to the attention of the police. As I said, there have been a number of meetings, including as late as today, to work through those.

Children—protection

MRS BURKE: My question is also to the Minister for Children and Young People, and relates to the removal of four children from their home by ACT police on Sunday, 22 June. Minister, how did the media come to be notified of the address of the children?

MS GALLAGHER: I am not aware of that. I understand there were reporters in the Magistrates Court, and that may be the way that that information became public. Certainly, I am not personally aware.

MR SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mrs Burke?

MRS BURKE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, who authorised the media to film the home?

MS GALLAGHER: I do not believe anyone authorised the media to film the home.

Capital works projects

MS PORTER: My question, through you, Mr Speaker, is to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister, can you advise the Assembly about the success of ACT capital works projects at Friday night’s MBA awards?


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