Natasha Maclaren-Jones
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities
The NSW Liberals and Nationals are demanding an independent review as horrific details emerge about a child's death at Wyong on the Central Coast.
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the Minister must be transparent given confirmation from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) that it previously had contact with the family.
"My thoughts are with the child's family, loved ones and everyone in the community affected by this unimaginable loss. This is a heartbreaking tragedy." Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
"This unthinkable tragedy is unfortunately not the first case where this government has failed to protect our most vulnerable children, in the last year alone."
"The Minister must explain what interventions were made, if any, and why they were not enough to prevent this devastating outcome."
Natasha Maclaren-Jones said tens of thousands of children assessed as 'at risk‑of‑significant‑harm' (ROSH) are not receiving timely intervention, or intervention at all.
"The government knows there are workforce shortages, overwhelming caseloads, and gaps in early intervention, this case raises serious concerns, and an independent investigation must be conducted." Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
"The people of New South Wales deserve transparency, an independent review into this case, and a clear plan to strengthen frontline child protection services before another tragedy occurs."
