Jacquie Petrusma

Jacquie Petrusma MP
Shadow Minister for Children
Wednesday 25 May, 2011

In one of her first acts as the new Minister for Children, Michelle O'Byrne, has axed a vital program.

The Children's Visitor Program gave children in care the chance to tell someone if they were unhappy with their care and if they needed any help. The program ran at a minimal cost, mainly because of the commitment and dedication of volunteers.

The Program was working well, but once again the Green-Labor Government's axe has fallen and these children now look likely to miss out on continued visits.

Unfortunately, the volunteers have now been instructed to book "farewell" visits with the children they had been talking to.

Whats most disturbing is when we see an example of a Green-Labor Government initiative that actually works, it is the first project to face the axe.

The Minister should really rethink this decision and look at ways to make sure the Program can continue into the future.

For further information or comment please call Brad Nowland - 0439 614 893