1000 Days to Get it Right for Every Child: 'She'll be Right' Isn't Good Enough

Concerns expressed by the Chief Coroner, Neil MacLean, that coronial findings are ignored and go unanswered by government highlight some of the systemic failures and “she’ll be right” attitudes that leave children and young people vulnerable, says Every Child Counts*.

“Coroners’ recommendations are designed to highlight the policies and practices that would increase the safety of children and young people.  Much like the significant body of research signalling what governments can and should do to improve child wellbeing, these important findings are ignored by those with the power to make a positive difference,” says Deborah Morris-Travers, Manager of Every Child Counts.

“The lack of formal responses to coroners’ recommendations is evidence that the system continues to fail children and young people. With all that the statistics are telling us, a “she’ll be right” attitude is just not good enough.

“With just 854 days left in this parliamentary term, there are some simple actions government can take to improve things for children and young people: children should be a central consideration in all political decisions; child impact assessments should measure the impact of policies on children; a Children’s Action Plan should set targets to improve child wellbeing and identify accountabilities; and it should be mandatory for State agencies to respond to coroners’ reports.

“Media commentators are starting to appreciate the crisis confronting the nation when it comes to children’s issues.  Ignoring coronial recommendations is just another example of how badly the system fails our youngest citizens,” concludes Ms Morris-Travers.

ENDS

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