Child protection minister flies to WA’s north after vulnerable kids left alone in public housing

Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski has flown to the Pilbara as a scandal engulfs the state government following reports vulnerable Aboriginal children are often left alone for up to a week at a time in a Department of Housing and Works house in South Hedland.

Last week, The Australian reported on shocking conditions at the Frisby Court home in the Port Hedland suburb of South Hedland.

Child Protection Minister Jess Stojkovski.Hamish HastieThe newspaper reported up to 15 children could sometimes be found at the house, including the children of the residents who rented the property from the department, but the parents frequently left the house for days at a time, leaving the kids without adult supervision.

The report suggested child protection workers knew about the conditions at the home and contained interviews with past child protection workers and police who said staff were not doing their jobs properly.

Stojkovski said it was unacceptable that children in Western Australia lived this way.

“No child should have their safety and wellbeing put at risk,” she said.

“I am seeking urgent answers in relation to the children concerned and what actions are being taken.

“Child protection is a complex issue and the department is continuing to work with other agencies in South Hedland to support these vulnerable families so no child is left behind.”

Asked about the report on Monday, WA Premier Roger Cook said the information that had come to hand was “very distressing”.

“I understand there are some circumstances there which appear to be completely unacceptable, and obviously the Department of Child Protection has a responsibility to be able to monitor and get on top of these situations,” he said.

“Minister Stojkovski has travelled to Port Hedland today to see for herself the circumstances which are apparent in that situation.”

While Cook described his shock, he defended the department workers in the town.

“Department of Child Protection works in very complex and difficult circumstances, made even more complex and difficult in a town such as Port Hedland,” he said.

“They’re often criticised for taking children away, particularly Aboriginal children, and in some circumstances, and in this situation, criticised for not doing so, but they work in very complex circumstances.

“We back them, and it’s important that they be allowed to get on with their job and Minister Stojkovski will be up there today to make sure that they have the support they need to be able to intervene if that’s what’s required.”

Nationals MP Julie Freeman said the reports were a stain on WA society and a damning failure of government.

“No child should be living in these conditions and the fact authorities were reportedly aware of what was happening makes it even more appalling,” she said.

“We must never forget the terrible legacy of the Stolen Generations. But acknowledging the mistakes of the past cannot mean turning a blind eye to neglect today.”

“We cannot allow fear of being labelled racist, or sensitivity around intervention, to override the most basic responsibility of government: keeping children safe.”

A Department of Communities spokesman said the department worked closely with police, government agencies and Aboriginal community organisations to identify and coordinate responses for at risk children and families in South Hedland and Port Hedland.

“Where safety concerns for family visitations are raised, Communities engages with Police to ensure appropriate arrangements are put in place to allow contact visits to occur safely,” he said.

“Communities undertakes appropriate child safety investigations in all circumstances where safety concerns are raised for children and young people.”

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