[Greens-Media] Greens Call for SAPOL Liaison Officer for Education Department

[Franks, Office]

Greens spokesperson for Families and Communities Tammy Franks MLC today has called for dedicated SAPOL Liaison Officers to work with the Education Department on legal matters affecting children's welfare.
"In the wake of the disturbing revelations of a convicted paedophile running an out- of-hours school care program with the Education Department failing to inform parents, it is clear this initiative is both necessary and overdue," Ms Franks said.
 "Parents and school communities need and deserve to be informed when their children are at risk.
"The Department's protocols to not always disclose child abuse also need to be urgently reviewed in light of this disturbing news.
"We know that mandatory reporting is best practice when it comes to dealing with child abuse or suspicions of child abuse in the community, so it beggars belief that the Education Department would not inform parents of the presence of a known sex offender working in close proximity to their children.
"Dedicated SAPOL liaison officers could act in circumstances where schools need advice and direction on legal issues around child protection. This would include situations like the current controversy, but also issues where children's welfare may be compromised such as in cases of cyber bullying, sexual harassment and sexting amongst children.
"This issue transcends party politics and I hope that the Government acts immediately to ensure the safety of our children is paramount," Ms Franks concluded.

For further comment contact Jamnes Danenberg 0457 549 938