Natasha Maclaren-Jones
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities
Mark Speakman
Shadow Minister for Education
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have criticised the Minns Labor Government over another child protection failure, following revelations that more than 550 children in the care of the Minister for Families and Communities are barely going to school.
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, and Shadow Minister for Education, Mark Speakman, expressed alarm that hundreds of children in out-of-home care are routinely missing school, warning that the government’s inaction is jeopardising their safety, development, and long-term opportunities.
“Every child in NSW deserves a safe home and access to a proper education, yet this government is failing on both fronts,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“When children are taken into the care of the state, the Minister becomes the parent, and that parent is now failing to get hundreds of kids through the school gate.”
Mrs Maclaren-Jones said the reports highlight a growing pattern of neglect across the child protection system under Minister Washington.
“From children in care regularly missing school, to cases of young people being placed with violent offenders, and repeated safety warnings from frontline staff and whistleblowers, the problems are widespread," Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
Shadow Minister for Education, Mark Speakman, emphasised there must be improved coordination between the Department of Education and the Department of Communities and Justice.
“No child should be left behind in their learning. Missing school can set children back for life. It’s essential the government act now to coordinate services properly and get these vulnerable children into the classroom,” Mr Speakman said.