Calls for SA Parliament to be recalled to consider 260 child protection recommendations

ABC News
August 7, 2016

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-08-07/child-protection-systems-royal-commission-260-recommendations/7698624

Royal commissioner Margaret Nyland's report was delivered on Friday.

South Australian Parliament should be recalled so recommendations from the Child Protection Systems Royal Commission can be implemented as soon as possible, the State Opposition says.

The final report by Commissioner Margaret Nyland contains 260 recommendations and is 850 pages long, Child Protection Reform Minister John Rau revealed today.

It was delivered to Governor Hieu Van Le at Government House on Friday afternoon, but the contents will not be made public until after a State Cabinet meeting on Monday.

Opposition Leader Steven Marshall said the document could not be properly scrutinised because Parliament had risen for the winter break.

He said it should be recalled so that legislative changes prompted by the report are not delayed.

"We've waited two years for this report," he said.

"We do not believe that we should be waiting another 43 days for the Parliament to consider the recommendations."

The two-year inquiry was prompted by Families SA carer Shannon McCoole's abuse of vulnerable children in state care.

"Commissioner Margaret Nyland has undertaken a huge task ... and warns there is no quick fix to the system," Mr Rau said.

"The non-government sector has asked us to consult with them in responding to the report and it is our intention to do so."

Yesterday, Deputy Opposition Leader Vickie Chapman accused the Government of quarantining the findings of the report.

"There is no excuse," she said.

"It's just a concealment for three days until they can have all of the spin and excuses listed as to why they have failed."