[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE : Queensland must protect the most vulnerable

[Qld Greens Media]

*MEDIA RELEASE*
*Tuesday 19^th September*

*Queensland must protect the most vulnerable*

Queensland must do more to protect our children as the most vulnerable 
members of our society, according to the Queensland Greens.
The call comes following the death of a three-year-old child with links 
to the Child Safety Department, representing the 52^nd such death in 18 
months.
Greens Human Rights spokesperson, Juanita Wheeler, said the time had 
come for a dramatic increase in funding to be injected into 
on-the-ground resources including child protection, additional case 
workers, parent support programs, housing and mental health services.
“It is time for the real dollar funding of on-the-ground services to 
match the political rhetoric espoused by the politicians,” Ms Wheeler said.
“If the government recognises children as some of the most vulnerable 
members of our society, then they should immediately put their money 
where their mouths are and provide the necessary resources to protect 
each and every child.”
Ms Wheeler said measures the Labor Government had put in place following 
the 2004 state election, where they promised to address the issue of 
child safety, were clearly inadequate.

“While some measures have been put in place, they are not adequate 
enough to deal with the years of neglect child safety programs received 
in this state, and we are still playing catch-up.”
Ms Wheeler said academic expenditure comparisons between other states or 
to previous governments were completely irrelevant and offensive when 
children’s lives were in question.
“One child being neglected in this state is one child too many.
“At this very moment, a child is sitting in a room somewhere in this 
state hoping and praying that someone will come and rescue them from the 
abuse or neglect they are suffering, and someone needs to answer it.”
“Regardless of whether or not the Queensland Government likes it, when 
it comes to protecting the most vulnerable children in our society, they 
are the ones who need to step up.”


*-ENDS-*


For further information please contact:

Juanita Wheeler

Spokesperson, Queensland Greens

Mobile: 0402 487 110

-- 
www.qld.greens.org.au

State election Spokesperson. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110

Queensland Greens media spokespeople.

Climate Change and Indigenous. Drew Hutton 0428 487 110
Human Rights and Environment. Juanita Wheeler 0402 487 110
Transport and Planning. Greg George 0424 725 719

Queensland Greens campaign coordinator.
Ian Gittus 0422 542 370

Office 3846 0862
fax 3844 4654

www.qld.greens.org.au