[Greens-Media] Government using welfare to 'coerce' parents on health checks - Greens

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Friday, 6 July 2007

Government using welfare to 'coerce' parents on health checks - Greens

"The compulsory health checks were illegal from the outset. Now the
government is trying to fix its mistake by using the threat of stringent
welfare checks to coerce parents who refuse health checks for their
children," Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens Indigenous Affairs
spokesperson said in Alice Springs today.

"The Indigenous communities I have spoken with in Alice Springs want to
work with the government to get the best outcomes for thier children and
families. Using welfare to coerce parents is confrontational and
counterproductive."

"The government rushed into this intervention, got it wrong on
compulsory health checks - which were illegal from the outset - and is
now using a punitive approach cover its mistake," Senator Siewert said.

Senator Siewert has been in Alice Springs for the past three days
meeting with Indigenous communities and listening to their concerns
about the federal government's intervention.

Further information: Chris Twomey 0407 725 025



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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au