The Rockliff Government continues to deliver terrible outcomes for vulnerable children and young people, as shown by the latest Report on Government services data. Disturbingly it also shows they’ve continued their shameless efforts to avoid scrutiny, by refusing to report key data.
These new figures include some truly disturbing results. Just look at the situation in child safety, where less than a third of children have a documented case plan. That’s a startling fact on its own, but even more shocking when compared to the next worst state, which has these plans for three quarters of children. Child safety investigations are also taking longer than any other jurisdiction.
What we’re seeing here is huge differences between what’s happening on the mainland, and what we’re seeing here. These differences mean vulnerable Tasmanian children are more at risk, and far less likely to get the care and support they need.
Given the major problems in child safety, and the Rockliff government’s appalling approach to youth crime, it’s not surprising to see the huge growth in the number of children in youth detention. The average number of children in youth detention has grown by 77% in just two years. This is happening despite the clear risks to children and young people at the Centre, as highlighted by the Commission of Inquiry.
While the results that have been reported are terrible, we don’t even have the full picture of what’s happening for vulnerable young Tasmanians. That’s because, unlike other states, the Rockliff Government is refusing to report key data for youth justice and child safety.
Clearly the government is more worried about political embarrassment than the real issues facing child safety and youth justice. That’s why they won’t report basic measures like how long it takes them to start investigations, or how long it takes to prepare and review case plans for detention matters.
It’s distressing to see just how little interest Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his Cabinet have in delivering better outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. How could anyone watch the Commission of Inquiry play out, see its findings, and then refuse to take these issues seriously?
