Monday 15 January 2018

Child Abuse Royal Commission, Workers Comp Disputes, Cruise Emissions, Poultry Code & Find a JP

CHILD ABUSE ROYAL COMMISSION

I congratulate and commend the survivors of institutional child abuse who fought to expose wrongs through the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Royal Commission confirmed cover-ups of horrific abuse and torture of children with perpetrators protected, particularly in out-of-home care and religious bodies.

Importantly victims’ calls for reform have been validated with the final report recommending massive changes to build child safety into institutions, including in religious bodies, to prevent abuse and properly respond to complaints, as well as educational changes to empower children. The commission wants dedicated support and treatment services and a national redress scheme, information HERE.

While the Commonwealth Government has main responsibility, a large number of recommendations were directed at state governments, which regulate out-of-home care and are responsible for education curricula. I have asked the Premier to ensure prompt and comprehensive NSW Government action and will follow up in Parliament to keep up the momentum. My letter is HERE.

WORKERS COMP DISPUTES

There has been widespread criticism of workers compensation claim dispute processes. The government is considering different use of medical assessments, allowing more lump sums instead of ongoing payments, simplifying notices to claimants and clearer public information. You can comment by 16 February HERE. 

CRUISE EMISSIONS

The minster’s response to my latest questions in Parliament about shore power for cruise ships simply refers to the Port Authority website HERE. The Port Authority website has old information and notes pollution sometimes exceeds limits at White Bay, and no details about the Overseas Passenger Terminal. There is no update on emission reduction plans since the May 2017 report, which does not support shore power, see HERE.

You can report air and noise pollution from cruise ships to the Port Authority: telephone 9296 4962 or [email protected].  

POULTRY CODE

I’ve received hundreds of emails supporting much tighter rules for the draft Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry. I continue to oppose cruel battery cage farming with questions, petitions and statements in Parliament, information HERE. My most recent questions pushed for public consultation on reform, so it is good to see this occurring. My questions are HERE.

Vested industry interests dominate the code process and successive ministers have not focussed on animal welfare or sustainability. I encourage you to make a submission and to encourage others to also speak out. RSPCA HERE and Animals Australia HERE have online forms to make it easy to have your say.

FIND A JP

Have you found it hard to find a Justice of the Peace (JP) when you need statutory declarations witnessed or copies of documents certified? Search for a JP or JP desk HERE. JPs work from community centres and council offices and there is one available in my office. If you would like to become a JP and provide this free community service go HERE.