Qld: Beattie flags indigenous policy change

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2003
Qld: Beattie flags indigenous policy change

Queensland Premier PETER BEATTIE has suggested Aboriginal wards of the state may be
better off in white families than with their own people.

Mr BEATTIE has visited north Queensland to explain government moves to improve the
child protection system, which has been heavily criticised in a report this week.

Mr BEATTIE's told reporters that he believes some children, including abused indigenous
children, are better off away from their parents.

Mr BEATTIE says indigenous children make up 25 per cent of the children in care, and
policy changes are needed to ensure they were properly protected.

But he's denied that taking children from their homes would create another stolen generation.

An independent report released this week found gross mishandling of child abuse allegations
in the Queensland foster care system.

Opposition leader LAWRENCE SPRINGBORG says a coalition government would overhaul the
Families Department, ensuring it focused on child welfare.

AAP RTV jb/pjo/sc/rd/rt

KEYWORD: ABUSE (CAIRNS)

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