This is what happened in the 12th sitting week of the year, the third sitting week back after winter break, which was held over Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 October.
Our parliament wrap-ups focus on discussion of young people, and issues that impact young people. We focus on what was said, and by who here, rather than unpacking or giving a position on the issues themselves.
During the 12th week in State Parliament for 2024 the Children and Young People (Safety and Support) Bill, which provides a new framework for the child protection system, was introduced to the House and adjourned at the second reading. The bill has a focus on Indigenous children and young people, implementing some of the changes recommended by the Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People to address the disproportionate rates of removal and placement. A controversial Private Members Bill to change current pregnancy termination legislation was introduced by Hon Ben Hood MLC (Liberal), and after a long debate was defeated 9 - 10. It will therefore not progress to the House of Assembly or change current law.
House of Assembly (Lower House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 25
Preventive Health SA Bill - 6
Child Sexual Offenders Register (Public Register) Amendment Bill - 3
National Skills Agreement - 2
Tailored Learning Provision - 2
National Carers Week (Young carers) - 2
Climate Change & Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Misc) Amendment Bill - 1
Healthcare system campaign - 1
Bordertown High School - 1
Social Media Summit - 1
Illegal tobacco trade - 1
Heartkids SA - 1
World Sight Day - 1
Port Augusta safety - 1
Hurtle Vale electorate - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 4
Port Augusta safety - 2
National Skills Agreement - 1
Tailored learning provision - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
Member for Adelaide, Ms Lucy Hood MP (Member for Adelaide, Labor) asked the Premier (Member for Croydon, Labor) about the ‘Social Media Summit’ held in NSW and SA during question time. The Premier outlined the summit including mention of the Director of ASIO (Mike Burgess) as a speaker. Hon Peter Malinauskas said: ‘The evidence that was brought forward across those two days—and I know there were a lot of people in this chamber present for the summit, particularly for the first session, and I want to thank all those who were there. I understand people are busy here so not everyone was able to stay for the second half of the day, but the second half of the summit day was probably far more compelling than the first half, with no disrespect to the presenters, including myself. The second half was absolutely compelling and I think it really speaks to the need for action.’
The Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Hon Blair Boyer MP (Member for Wright, Labor) made a statement on the announced Tailored Learning Provision (TLP) program to start in 2025. TLP aims to replace the existing Flexible Learning Options (FLO) program, providing support to secondary students (up to 21 years of age) who have disengaged from schooling and provides additional support within secondary schools to re-engage these students. The Minister stated that TLP will be available in all public secondary schools next year. The TLP will The Minister commented: ‘Make no mistake about the magnitude and the importance of this work. There are currently about 4,360 students enrolled in the existing program, Flexible Learning Options, or FLO, across 85 schools in the public system. But, currently, that program is not offered at all high schools. I am pleased to inform the house today that TLP, Tailored Learning Provision, will be available at all public high schools starting next year.’
Legislative Council (Upper House)
Mentions of ‘young people’: 10
Children & Young People (Child Deaths & Serious Injury Review Committee) Amend. Bill - 2
Youth terror suspects - 2
Multicultural Mental Health month - 1
Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill - 1
Hospitality business closures - 1
Go Foundation - 1
End Youth Suicide Week - 1
Youth Forum SA - 1
mentions of ‘youth’: 7
Housing crisis - 1
Pakistani Australian Association SA - 1
Youth terror suspects - 1
Youth Forum SA - 1
End Youth Suicide - 1
Workplace injuries - 1
NAIDOC Week - 1
Comments on young people, youth services and policy specifically about young people:
Hon Jing Lee MLC (Liberal) moved a motion that would have the Legislative Council recognise the economic and social contributions made by SA hospitality businesses as well as noting increased business closures and calling on the State Government to provide support that prevents business closures. The Hon Member commented:‘The accommodation and food services industry in South Australia employs around 60,000 people, according to Skills SA. Within this industry, 60 per cent are part-timers, 54 per cent are female and the median age is 25. Hospitality is important because it employs young people and people who are still studying or training and is a gender-diverse industry.’
During question time Member of the Upper House, Hon Ben Hood MLC the Attorney General (AG) Hon Kyam Maher MLC whether the SA State Government captures data on the age of individual youth terror suspects, what proportion of recent investigations involved children and/or young people and on the number of referrals made to the Inclusion Support program in the last 12 months. The AG commented that mechanism to respond to state-based offences were ‘little used’ and it is unlikely the sought data is readily available and that they would investigate if any statistics were available and report back.
Hon Dennis Hood MLC (Liberal) asked a series of questions to the Minister for Industrial Relations and the Public Sector, Hon Kyam Maher MLC, on an increase in workplace injuries of trainees and apprentices reported by SafeWork SA. The Minister detailed efforts by SafeWork SA to raise awareness of work health and safety including media campaigns. The Minister stated that at their next regular meeting with SafeWork SA, the concerns raised by the Honourable Member would be discussed.
