WORDS OF WISDOM

ON OUT-OF-HOME CARE:

“My review found that in Tasmania, kids in care don’t have anyone who is independent and impartial to speak to about their lives and care arrangements. This must change.”

ON FACEBOOK POSTS CALLING FOR FOSTER CARERS IN THE NORTH-WEST:

“These children have an absolute right to privacy and respect. Details about individual children that are in out-of-home care should never be canvassed in … public.”

ON YOUNG PEOPLE AND SOCIAL MEDIA:

“The world has changed dramatically in the last five years. Now we are in a world where everything is on the table for these kids and young people’s brains are still forming. I think social media has an enormous impact and we still don’t understand.”

ON ANTI-DISCRIMINATION AMENDMENTS:

“There is a very real risk that as a result of the proposed amendments, public conduct which for example offends, humiliates or intimidates a child or young person on the basis of factors such as race, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation or disability may be permitted.”

ON MANDATORY PRISON TERMS FOR CHILD-SEX CRIMES LEADING TO MORE NOT GUILTY PLEAS:

“My concern is ... that you will retraumatise children that have already been through an absolutely awful event by potentially putting them through a court process.”

ON A CHILD’S RIGHT TO KNOW THE IDENTITY OF IVF DONORS:

“In my opinion, a child born of assisted reproductive treatment has a right to know and to have information [identifying and nonidentifying] about their genetic heritage — regardless of the consent of the donor, and regardless of when the procedure in question occurred.”

ON SEXIST SLOGANS ON WICKED VANS:

“Children and young people are being exposed to these messages, which most commonly deride and denigrate women. How can we begin to address gender inequality and family violence if these messages are considered acceptable?”

ON CHILDHOOD POVERTY:

“It is now widely accepted education is an important means for escaping poverty.”