Funding boost to support children impacted by trauma
Working with children impacted by trauma is some of the most difficult work imaginable, and it’s sadly something professionals in a range of industries encounter on a daily basis. It’s important we continue to build the skills of frontline child protection workers, police, healthcare workers and other professionals so they can strengthen their ability to …
Laws requiring ministers of religion to report child sexual abuse come into effect
Ministers of religion are now legally required to report information about child sexual abuse, including information gained in confession. The changes are part of new laws introduced by the McGowan Government and come into effect today. Failure to make a mandatory report is an offence with a maximum penalty of $6,000. A minister of religion …
Industry partnership to grow early childhood education and care workforce
The McGowan Government is partnering with Western Australia’s early childhood education and care sector to pilot a Job Ready pre-employment program, with the aim to attract and upskill more early childhood educators for the local workforce. The new Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Job Ready program is the latest in a suite of new …
Children’s Week puts child safety in the spotlight
The safety of Western Australian children and the responsibility of organisations to ensure that is a priority are being highlighted during National Children’s Week, which runs from 22-30 October. Children’s Week is observed annually across Australia and is dedicated to celebrating children and promoting the Rights of the Child as proclaimed by the United Nations …
State and Federal Governments launch National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children
A new National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032 has been launched by State, Federal and Territory Women’s Safety Ministers. The National Plan sets the agenda to end violence against women and children in one generation. It sets a clear direction for the next ten years, and outlines what steps need to …
Western Australia’s carers recognised in National Carers Week
The important work carers do every day is often underestimated, as is the money they save taxpayers. But no dollar figure captures the dedication, love and insight that carers provide. Many carers fall into their roles by circumstance, and it’s the love for the person they care for that keeps them going. But simply identifying …
Consent education to be embedded in WA schools’ curriculum
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery and Women’s Interests Minister Simone McGurk today announced changes to school consent education, which will be formally included in the Western Australian curriculum. Speaking this morning at Bob Hawke College, Ms Ellery said updates to the WA curriculum would ensure that students receive education on healthy relationships and consent …
McGowan Government responds to sexual harassment inquiry
The McGowan Government is committed to stamping out sexual violence in the workplace – everyone has a right to feel safe and supported at work. We have a vicious cycle, where women aren’t attracted to work in the industry, let alone stay in the industry, because of inappropriate behaviour and a disregard of women’s experiences. …
State’s peak child protection practitioner appointed
Since its establishment in late 2020, the Specialist Child Protection Unit has been achieving significant results, and leading a range of critical projects which are helping to improve outcomes for children, families and foster carers alike. One of Western Australia’s foremost child protection experts, Amber Fabry, has been appointed to the newly created role of …
Boost for AFLW and community footy
Football brings communities together and is such an integral part of being a Western Australian. My Government is focused on investing in the health and wellbeing of all Western Australians by providing community sport facilities that are modern and accessible. A multi-million-dollar upgrade to community changerooms that will address the shortage of female and community …