Page 815 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
agencies. That protocol provides for principles that are aligned with the Information Privacy Act 2014 and guidelines for sharing information with and without consent. Specific training is also being provided to front-line staff to understand and implement the protocol.
Finally, a gap analysis of the domestic and family violence service system is also being undertaken by the Community Services Directorate. It will provide government with an opportunity to identify any other potential areas for improving information-sharing within integrated responses across agencies. So I think I am able to demonstrate very clearly that not only have we listened to that recommendation but we are taking steps to implement it to make sure that information sharing is strengthened.
Whilst information sharing is a critical part of Mr Glanfield’s review, I should stress that it is not necessarily the only part or area of emphasis for his report. Sharing information, sharing what is known across agencies, is critically important. But what is also important are matters such as thresholds for action: when is a decision made to intervene? What are the thresholds? Are they consistent across agencies? Are they consistent, for example, between government agencies and the police? How does the health system help inform that decision-making? These are critically important questions as well, and I am confident that Mr Glanfield will assist the government in identifying and further improving the safety of those that are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic and family violence in the ACT.
The death of Bradyn Dillon is a tragedy for the family and for the broader community. We need to understand what has happened. Individual personal responsibility will be a matter for the courts to determine and an individual has been charged in relation to a number of matters in that respect. But we also need to make sure that our system works as efficiently as possible.
It is a complex area. It is a difficult area. It is an area that is vexed for governments nationally and internationally. But in our community if there is more we can do to strengthen the service and system level response, if there is more we can do to make sure that informed decision-making can happen in a way that keeps children safe where they should, at all times, be safe, which is the family home, then this review will assist us with that.
Madam Speaker, for the reasons I have outlined the government will not agree to the motion proposed by Ms Lawder today. I think we now have demonstrated very clearly that the matters of concern Ms Lawder is raising are already being addressed and processes are already in train. Let us wait and see what Mr Glanfield concludes.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo) (10.32): This is an important topic that we are discussing today and one that I think troubles all members of the Assembly: the issue of family and domestic violence and how we best respond to it and how government can play the most effective role in ensuring the safety of children in our community in the context of family and domestic violence.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video