[Greens-Media] Qld greens media release: Greens support child protection workers in stop work action

[Qld Greens Media]

*MEDIA RELEASE*

*Tuesday 26^ September 2006*

*Greens support child protection workers in stop work action*

The Greens have today supported the move by approximately 3000 child 
protection workers to stop work for two hours across lunchtime, to 
highlight issues surrounding workloads and funding for the Department of 
Child Safety.
Greens human rights spokesperson, Juanita Wheeler, said it was 
unfortunate that the situation had come to this, as most Queenslander’s 
would understand the need to ensure appropriate case loads and funding 
for the critical work being undertaken by the child protection workers.
“Most Queenslanders accept that nothing is more valuable than ensuring 
the safety of all children living in Queensland, regardless of whose 
children they are.” Ms Wheeler said.
“In order to achieve this the Beattie Government needs to put its money 
where its mouth is to ensure case loads are at a best-practice level and 
funding mechanisms have the flexibility to respond to changes in case 
loads immediately.”
The Greens believe that a critical element to successfully tackling 
child protection issues is via early intervention.

The Department of Child Safety need the staff and funding to tackle 
safety issues when they first arise as ‘low level’ neglect and abuse issues.
“Early intervention is the key to ensuring to the best of our ability 
that abuse and neglect do not progress unchecked to their often 
devastating conclusions.
“Children are precious human beings and no reported instance of child 
abuse or neglect should go uninvestigated due to a lack of resources.
“We have a responsibility to all children in Queensland to stop abuse 
and neglect before it escalates.”


*-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