Wednesday, 13 November 2024

 Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (14:02): My question is to the Premier. I have been informed about a 12-year-old Aboriginal boy with autism and with a history of self-harming who has said he has been subjected to abuse. The legal responsibility for this boy’s care sits with the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency. In October he was abandoned at school and is now missing. His current whereabouts are unknown. VACCA has refused to return communications from police, family and other concerned parties. Why is the Premier failing vulnerable children like this 12-year-old Aboriginal boy?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:03): It is deeply inappropriate to canvass individual matters – deeply inappropriate to canvass individual cases. Particularly with the level of detail that the member for South-West Coast has provided, I would suggest she is not asking the question while keeping the best interests of the child in mind. This is a matter that the Minister for Children will be aware of, and I will take further advice from my minister.

 Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (14:03): The local MP wrote to the Minister for Children a month ago. She has not responded. This 12-year-old Aboriginal boy is at risk and missing. Why is the Allan Labor government repeatedly failing to protect the children under its care?

Members interjecting.

Roma BRITNELL: No, I think the disgrace is you.

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for South-West Coast, that is extremely inappropriate. Members will come to order.

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (14:04): As I said in my answer to the substantive question, I will follow this matter up not with the member for South-West Coast but with the minister, because it is not appropriate for personal details to be canvassed – particularly of a child – publicly, particularly where it is clear that this is a very vulnerable young Victorian and we need to keep the best interests of the child firmly in our focus. I must say it is deeply disappointing that the member for South-West Coast has raised it in this way when there are more appropriate forums to do so.

Peter Walsh: On a point of order, Speaker, the Premier is debating the question. It is extremely disappointing that the member has waited a month for a response about this child.

The SPEAKER: The Premier has concluded her answer.