Child Protection

Qld child protection workers march

Child protection workers will march on the Crime and Misconduct Commission's foster care abuse inquiry In Brisbane at lunchtime today to demand 400 new child protection workers in the wake of the Inquiry.

It will be the third time Family Service Officers have taken to the streets to raise their concerns about the department's ability to adequately protect Queensland kids.

Public sector union general secretary Alex Scott said workers were hopeful the inquiry would result in real improvements.

"We're heartened by the direction the Inquiry has taken. The CMC has done an excellent job of ensuring the Inquiry didn't stoop to the blame game endemic amongst senior members of the department, some community activists and parts of the media," Mr Scott said.

"Despite attempts by some to blame the staff, the Inquiry has consistently heard that the problems in the department relate to the dollars allocated, and the policies set for managing within the limited budget."

Mr Scott said the union believed child protection workers had received a good hearing at the Inquiry.

"The CMC met with FSOs who were afraid to come forward at the QPSU office prior to the Inquiry.

"At the Inquiry we've heard from QPSU members like Hillary Lennon about just how bad it is out there on the frontline. And we were reminded of the affects of stress and staff turnover with Hillary's resignation on the day she gave evidence.

"And of course the union's extensive submission put the many concerns of FSOs on record."

The union has welcomed the Premier's commitment to find the money needed to fix the system.

Mr Scott said the union would ask all political parties what they would do to address case load problems prior to the next election.

"At this stage the Premier is the only political leader to say they'd find the money to fix the department," Mr Scott said.

© 2001 Community & Public Sector Union - State Public Services Federation (CPSU-SPSF) - National Office

http://www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au/latest_news/child_protection/20031023_protect.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005