Family First South Australian Upper House candidate Deepa Mathew says the shocking revelation that more than 220 children in state care were allegedly sexually abused or exploited last year should be a wake-up call for the whole state — and a reminder that the system will keep failing unless we strengthen families at the start.
"This is a devastating crisis. Babies, toddlers, and vulnerable teenagers have been harmed under the watch of the state. There are no easy fixes — but we must be honest about where this begins," Mrs Mathew said.
"Once the family breaks down, the state cannot do the job of a mother and father. No government institution can replace the stabilising, protective role of committed parents."
Mrs Mathew said that while urgent improvements are needed in screening, training, supervision and accountability inside the Department for Child Protection, the first reform must be rebuilding the foundations of family life.
"Public policy must prioritise the role of mothers and fathers. And it must incentivise parents — especially fathers — to stay, to take responsibility, and not abandon their children," she said.
Family First argues that child protection policy has for too long focused on crisis response rather than prevention.
"We absolutely must care for the children currently in state care better. But unless we reduce the number entering the system in the first place, we will be trapped in an endless cycle of failure," Mrs Mathew said.
"That starts with strengthening families, supporting stable homes, and recognising that the safest place for a child is almost always with a loving mum and dad."
Mrs Mathew said that if elected, she will fight for policies that put families first, hold the system accountable, and push Parliament to confront the uncomfortable truth that strong families remain the best child-protection policy ever devised.
