Call for more funding in fight against abuse
MORE State Government funding is needed to bulk up public programs and initiatives aimed at stopping child abuse in the Far North.
Cairns MP Rob Pyne said not enough had been done in the way of providing adequate public housing, more child safety officers and jobs programs to alleviate poverty in the wake of last year’s shocking Smallbone Report into child abuse in Cairns West.
Department of Child Safety, Communities and Disability Services’ child safety data from the December 2016 quarter showed the number of investigations commenced had jumped by 227. The number of children in care placed with kin had increased by 33 compared to the quarter before.
But Shadow Child Safety Minister Ros Bates said 10,016 investigations took longer than 60 days to finalise.
Mr Pyne’s comments came as Bayview Heights author Patricia Barden pushed for more schools to use her book, I’m the Boss of My Body, in the fight against child sexual abuse.
“The government budget has its limitations but you’d think this would be an area they put plenty of focus on,” Mr Pyne said.
“The shining light from the report though has been the safe streets funding and the 3M projects but its going nowhere to addressing the many concerns a lot of people have over the Smallbone Report.” CAIRNS contractors will have the opportunity to register for education department works next week.
Projects will kick off shortly under the Queensland Government’s $200 million Advancing
Mr Pyne said Ms Barden’s book, which is already stocked in Cairns Libraries and has been taken on as a teaching tool at Mareeba State School, was an example of good things to come out of a “caring community”.
He pledged a copy of I’m the Boss of My Body for each school in the region.
Ms Barden, who has 30 years’ experience in education, said there were no resources aimed at primary school students explaining the often difficult topic of preventing child abuse.
“I’m hoping the book can be used as a resource for parents and teachers,” she said.
Mossman Gorge woman and Family Responsibilities Commissioner Karen Gibson illustrated the book and editing was completed by Ms Barden’s daughter Amy Opio. Queensland Schools program.
Minister for Public Works Mick de Brenni said the program would deliver close to 100 projects and support more than 500 jobs for local businesses.
“Tenders will open progressively from next month,” he said.
“There are a wide range of works planned so just about every trade will be required.”
Education Minister Kate Jones said more than 80 school communities would benefit from the program.
For further information, phone 3008 3319 or email reg istrations@hpw.qld.gov.au.
For details on the prequalification for building suppliers and consultants phone 1800 072 621 or email PQCRegistrar @hpw.qld.gov.au
A session will be held at the BAS office at 31 Grove St, Cairns, from 9am on May 4.