Page 202 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 16 February 2011
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concern of somebody who is just looking for a bit of a media stunt. I would also point out that your concerns about Bimberi are so strong that in the 14 months that I have been minister I recall one letter asking for information and not one visit. I do not think anyone is aware of you once having set foot inside the Bimberi Youth Justice Centre.
Mrs Dunne: That’s not true.
MS BURCH: Give me the date, Mrs Dunne, because no-one can remember. Instead of coming to us and behaving and conducting herself as she proclaims she has, she goes to the media with allegations against Mr Roy. She tries to ruin his reputation and undermine his professionalism before the Attorney-General has even considered the allegations.
Mrs Dunne, the Attorney-General here today and before has confirmed his support for Mr Roy to continue to do the review and has cleared him of the serious allegations you have made. Mrs Dunne says that people credit her. She was almost in tears, Mr Speaker, as she gave herself a good pat on the shoulder. Mrs Dunne, there are others that have approached me that think you have brought discredit to this Assembly and to the will of this Assembly in establishing the review.
Further, Mr Speaker, this motion fails to recognise the work that has begun and is being made at Bimberi now. It certainly seems to paint it in a continued and absolute state of deterioration. That is simply not true. There is work to be done and that is certainly something that is underway. Over the past few months a number of key changes and improvements to practice have occurred at the centre.
Mr Smyth interjecting—
MS BURCH: These changes have realised a range of benefits to the young people detained at Bimberi, as well as enhancing the professionalism of staff. A change management plan is being implemented with real improvements. It has been focusing on young people and the staff that work with them. This plan has focused on priority areas such as improving communication mechanisms, improving service delivery standards and establishing a culture of learning and increasing support to Bimberi staff. The department has made improvements—
Mr Smyth interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Order! Ms Burch, one moment, please. Stop the clocks, thank you. Mr Smyth, the standing orders do not provide for you to make a running commentary while Ms Burch speaks. I would ask you to cease interjecting.
MS BURCH: The department has made improvements across a number of areas over the last number of months. This includes an audit of critical incident procedures and reports for the last 12 months, new practices for critical incidents and the development and implementation of therapeutic crisis intervention training for the staff. These are tangible changes in play that will improve the level of service at Bimberi into the future.
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