State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the Minister for Family and Community Services to urgently fill a large number of vacant caseworker positions servicing the Wallsend electorate.
The latest figures for the March 2017 quarter show a 60% increase in the number of vacant child caseworker positions.
This is alarming given a recent report showing 68 per cent of children reported to Family and Community Services were not receiving a face to face assessment from a caseworker.
The Minister for Family and Community Services must ensure that these vacancies are filled immediately to ensure the best outcomes for our vulnerable children.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“The Minister was previously dumped from this portfolio in April 2014 after she cut more than $180 million and 110 full time caseworkers. She also failed to fill 2068 full-time caseworker positions in 2012 despite having promised to do so.”
“Recent figures have revealed that thousands of vulnerable children who are at potential risk of harm have failed to receive a face to face assessment from a caseworker.”
“In the Hunter/New England region that is more than 11900 children.”
“These latest figures are shocking and the Government don’t seem to care, they just continue to cut budgets and jobs in services right across the Wallsend electorate.”
“The Minister needs to prioritise keeping at risk children safe from harm by filling these vacancies immediately.”
“We need to provide the best outcomes for our most vulnerable children.”
