Whilst not opposing the Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Stability) Bill 2025, the Liberals and Nationals are concerned it fails to prioritise the safety of children and this week moved a reasoned amendment to pause progress of the Bill to enable proper consultation to occur.
This includes people with lived experience in the sector, those who have gone through care, as well as kinship carers, foster carers and residential providers.
Reforms must be undertaken properly to ensure they protect vulnerable children and give them every opportunity for a successful childhood.
This comes as Victoria has seen the greatest decline in the number of foster care homes across Australia, down 1,546 households year-on-year to 2023-24, while the home carer allowance remains the lowest in the nation.
Shadow Minister for Children, Nicole Werner, said: "Our team has consulted with stakeholders and the amendment we have moved is reflective of what they are seeking.
"The voices of the children, young people and carers who have walked this journey must be at the centre of any reform, and so far, Labor have not properly taken their views into account.
"Children only have one chance at a childhood, and it is crucial that we get this right for them."
The Allan Labor Government has failed to properly consult carers as it seeks to make major changes to Victoria's child protection system.
Whilst not opposing the Children, Youth and Families Amendment (Stability) Bill 2025, the Liberals and Nationals are concerned it fails to prioritise the safety of children and this week moved a reasoned amendment to pause progress of the Bill to enable proper consultation to occur.
This includes people with lived experience in the sector, those who have gone through care, as well as kinship carers, foster carers and residential providers.
Reforms must be undertaken properly to ensure they protect vulnerable children and give them every opportunity for a successful childhood.
This comes as Victoria has seen the greatest decline in the number of foster care homes across Australia, down 1,546 households year-on-year to 2023-24, while the home carer allowance remains the lowest in the nation.
Shadow Minister for Children, Nicole Werner, said: "Our team has consulted with stakeholders and the amendment we have moved is reflective of what they are seeking.
"The voices of the children, young people and carers who have walked this journey must be at the centre of any reform, and so far, Labor have not properly taken their views into account.
"Children only have one chance at a childhood, and it is crucial that we get this right for them."
