15/8/02
Community Development Minister Sheila McHale today tabled in Parliament the independent review of the effectiveness of mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse cases.
Ms McHale commended the 'Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse: Evidence and Options' report, known as the Harries Report, as a comprehensive overview of a very complex issue.
"This is a very sound and well researched report, which summarises the literature world-wide, both for and against mandatory reporting," she said.
Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse is not a legislative requirement in Western Australia.
In March this year, the Minister announced a review of the effectiveness of mandatory reporting in the States which had the legislation.
The Western Australian Child Protection Council managed the review and commissioned Dr Maria Harries and Associate Professor Mike Clare from the University of WA to conduct it.
The Harries Report reinforces the importance of early intervention and strengthening protocols and arrangements between Government agencies.
Ms McHale said the Harries Report complemented the report of the Gordon Inquiry, which was tabled in Parliament today by Premier Geoff Gallop.
"The Gordon Inquiry Report 'Putting the Picture Together' makes 197 recommendations and findings," she said.
"I look forward to working through the recommendations to improve services to WA children.
"Several of the recommendations in the Gordon Report refer to mandatory reporting.
"The Premier announced today that the Government would immediately act on the recommendation that medical personnel be required to report to the Department for Community Development all cases of children under the age of 13 who had contracted sexually transmitted infections.
"The Harries Report will inform the deliberations of Government and discussions in the community in the coming weeks about the response to 'Putting the Picture Together'."
Minister's office: 9213 6900
