Protecting Children and Young People in South Australia
I’m Fighting for a System That Puts Child Safety First
Every child deserves to grow up safe, supported, and free from harm. As a mother and a legislator, I’ve made it my mission to strengthen South Australia’s child protection system, because when we fail our children, we fail our future.
I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that child safety is not just a guiding principle, but the paramount consideration in every decision made by government departments, frontline workers, and policy makers.
What I’m Fighting For
- Safety as the Paramount Principle
I’ve supported reforms that elevate child safety above all else in legislation. This means that when frontline workers face difficult decisions, they have absolute clarity: the child’s safety comes first. - Stronger Working with Children Checks
I’ve called on the South Australian Government to urgently implement national reforms to working with children checks, including:- Mutual recognition of negative decisions across states
- Continuous checking capabilities
- National harmonisation of assessment frameworks
These reforms must be swift, meaningful, and accessible. Especially for low-paid workers in retail and fast food who shouldn’t bear the cost of compliance.
- Support for Aboriginal Children and Families
I’ve backed the recommendations of the Holding on to Our Future report, which aims to reduce the number of Aboriginal children entering the child protection system. We must ensure that Aboriginal children grow up safe and strong within their families, communities, and cultures.
My Parliamentary Action
- I’ve actively participated in the debate and committee stages of the Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill, advocating for clarity, accountability, and a child-first approach.
- I’ve questioned the government on its timeline and commitment to implementing national child safety reforms.
- I’ve stood with frontline workers, community advocates, and families to demand a system that works—not just in theory, but in practice.
Why This Matters
We’ve seen the tragic consequences of a system that fails to act. We cannot afford to wait for another inquiry, another report, or another child lost to neglect or abuse. The time to act is now.
Join Me in Putting Children First
If you believe that every child deserves safety, dignity, and a voice, I invite you to stand with me. Share your story, support the campaign, and help us build a child protection system that truly protects.
Because protecting children isn’t just policy. It’s a promise.
