Victoria’s most vulnerable children continue to be let down by the Andrews Government as new figures reveal the true extent of the ongoing crisis within Victoria’s child protection system.
Data obtained by the Victorian Opposition following questions in the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) has confirmed;
- Between January and March 2023, 322 incidents of abuse were reported in residential care settings, including 76 allegations of sexual abuse.
- Between January and March 2023, a total of 2,837 vulnerable children were without a case worker and awaiting allocation.
- As of May 2023, there were 463.4 FTE child protection practitioners vacancies.
These concerning figures following recent warnings fromVictoria’s Commissioner for Children and Young People that Andrews Government inaction on child protection reforms was allowing the continued abuse of Victoria’s most vulnerable children.
Current Minister for Child Protection, Lizzie Blandthorn, is the Andrews Government’s fifth Minister in less than two years.
Shadow Minister for Child Protection, Matt Bach, said the crisis in Victoria’s child protection system is nothing short of shameful and requires urgent and comprehensive action.
“Victoria’s most vulnerable children continue to be let down by the Andrews Government, who have put vital reforms of this system in the too hard basket,” Mr Bach said.
“The rates of abuse and neglect of vulnerable children in the care of the State are simply shameful.
“A revolving door of Ministers under Daniel Andrews has delayed critical reforms and investments that would deliver better outcomes for those in Victoria’s children protection system.”
