Page 4432 - Week 14 - Thursday, 28 November 2013
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MR RATTENBURY: As Mr Hanson knows, that is the situation we have at the AMC, and that is one that the correctional staff are working hard to ensure is—
Mr Hanson: On a point of order, and I know it is early—
MADAM SPEAKER: A point of order.
Mr Hanson: The question is: is it acceptable? It is not whether that is the current situation. We know that is the current situation. The question to the minister is as to whether that is acceptable or not.
Mr Corbell: On the point of order, is that asking for an expression of opinion?
MADAM SPEAKER: I have already ruled the question in order. I will, however, allow a little latitude—stop the clock, Clerk—given that the minister has some time, but I will also ask him to be mindful that the question was—
Mr Hanson: Madam Speaker—
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you, Mr Hanson; let me finish my sentence. I will ask the minister to be mindful that the question was: is it a no-no, as he had said? Do you have anything to add to the point of order, Mr Hanson?
Mr Hanson: Not a thing, Madam Speaker.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you. Mr Rattenbury.
Mr Hanson: Is it a no-no?
MR RATTENBURY: Mr Hanson seems to have a further question. He cannot contain himself. It is quite clear that separation is desirable and operationally we seek to ensure as much separation as is possible. But on some occasions it also can be to the detainees’ benefit to mix with different groups of detainees, and that is something that is done on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with oversight groups. This is a constant point of consideration at the AMC, to maximise the safety of detainees who are in the Alexander Maconochie Centre.
Children and young people—care and protection
MS LAWDER: My question is to the Minister for Disability, Children and Young People. Minister, the ACT Children and Young People Death Review Committee annual report tabled this week, stated that 22 children and young people who died and/or their siblings were known to Care and Protection Services in the three years before the child or young person’s death. This is nearly 21 per cent of child deaths. This follows a similarly adverse report from the Public Advocate in 2011, the Auditor-General’s report earlier this year and numerous media reports on various cases. Minister, given these statistics and the more recent cases which have been highlighted in the media, what structural changes are you making in your directorate to reduce these statistics?
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