Natasha Maclaren-Jones
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities
TWO MORE CHILDREN LIVING WITH KILLER SHOWS THE MINNS LABOR GOVERNMENT IS FAILING TO PROTECT VULNERABLE CHILDREN
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Opposition is demanding immediate answers from the Minns Labor Government as to whether there are any more children under the care of the state are living with violent offenders.
In the latest incident, another two children have been reported to be living with a convicted killer for several weeks.
Concerns were reportedly raised with child protection authorities well before the situation was publicly reported, but again no action was taken by Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington.
This report comes after the shocking revelation earlier this week where it was found that two foster children were living with convicted serial killer, Reginald Arthurell, for months.
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, said Minister Washington must explain why early warnings about this placement were ignored and why her Department only acts following media scrutiny.
“Another shocking case in less than a week it’s time for the minister to assure the people of NSW that no child in her care is living with a criminal,” Mrs Mclaren-Jones said.
“The Minister said it best herself earlier this week: the buck stops with her.”
““The time for reviews has well and truly passed. Minister Washington needs to front up to the people of NSW today and explain exactly how this was allowed to take place.”
Natasha Maclaren-Jones said this new case shows that the problems in the child protection system are not isolated, but part of a disturbing pattern under the Minns Labor Government.
“The Minister needs to come clean about how many other children in her care are living with convicted killers, what warnings were raised directly with her or her office, and what is being done right now to get those kids to safety,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“Right now, the only protection the Minns Labor Government is providing is a protection racket for the Minister.”