Scant protection under Brumby for raped, abused and neglected children
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
John Brumby today offered cold comfort to thousands of vulnerable children who have been sexually and physically assaulted, raped and otherwise abused because of his government’s failure on child protection.
“Instead of admitting failure, taking responsibility and putting measures in place to better protect children from abuse and neglect, John Brumby has admitted defeat by conceding that under his government child protection will never be perfect,” Shadow Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge said today.
“The sickening report tabled today by the Victorian Ombudsman proves once and for all that the Brumby Government’s neglect and incompetence has led to the abuse of children,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“The Ombudsman holds the Brumby Government directly responsible for a reactive and overstretched child protection system riddled with failures.
“In John Brumby’s Victoria, young children have been placed with drug dealers and sex offenders and have been subject to sexual exploitation.
“Despite eleven years of warnings, the Brumby Government has failed to provide safety or security for our most vulnerable children, subjecting them to further harm and suffering.
“Under John Brumby’s failed child protection system, abused and neglected children are taken from homes only to be subject to further abuse or neglect in out of home care.
“John Brumby should institute a comprehensive judicial inquiry as the Coalition called for in July last year, establish an independent Children’s Commissioner and get rid of his useless Minister,” Ms Wooldridge said.
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