Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) children are increasingly being removed from homes under the Palaszczuk Labor Government, LNP Shadow Minister for Child Safety Stephen Bennett has warned.
A study published this month in the journal Child Abuse & Neglect has once again highlighted the alarming number of ATSI children being put in out of home care.
The latest Queensland child safety statistics, released the week before Christmas by the Palaszczuk Labor Government, also highlight the increasing gap between ATSI children and non-indigenous children.
“The number of ATSI children living away from home has jumped by 615 in just over four years – a disturbing increase of 17.4 per cent,” the member for Burnett said.
“In fact, ATSI children make up 53 per cent of the 1,162 children that have been added to out of home care since June 2014.
“The gap on indigenous disadvantage is only increasing under the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“It is worsening right across the country, including locally, with Bundaberg’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population higher that the national average.
“For too long we have seen the Labour Government turn a blind eye to one of the most disturbing issues of the day.
“It’s time Annastacia Palaszczuk wakes up.
“Children in Bundaberg, the Burnett and right across the state need to be protected”
LNP Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Dr Christian Rowan has warned Annastacia Palaszczuk is out of touch with the needs of the ATSI community.
“When it comes to closing the gap on indigenous disadvantage, Queensland is a national embarrassment under Annastacia Palaszczuk,” Dr Rowan said.
“The latest National Closing the Gap report found Queensland is the only state or territory that isn’t on track to meet any of the seven targets.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk’s decision to close the Family Responsibilities Commission and slash funding to the Indigenous Diabetes Eyes and Screening (IDEAS) Van was shameful.
“Other states and territories are meeting key targets, but Queensland is failing under Palaszczuk and Trad.
“The LNP is committed to Closing the Gap.”
24/02/19