Working with Children (Indigenous Communities) Amendment Bill 2021

Strongly supports the bill as a means to address intergenerational unemployment in remote Indigenous communities by reforming the blue card system that prevents locals from gaining employment.

“The only way they can do this is amending the blue card system in these remote Indigenous communities.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

As the bill's sponsor, argued the current blue card system discriminates against Indigenous communities and prevents employment opportunities, contributing to social dysfunction. Advocated for community justice groups to have input into blue card decisions.

“So when you have this one-size-fits-all approach to the blue card, of course it is going to discriminate in these communities. It is not fit for purpose.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Acknowledges the important issues raised but cannot support the bill itself, preferring the government's approach of piloting blue card liaison officers and other support measures rather than transferring decision-making to community justice groups.

“In this particular case I cannot commend the bill to the House, but I certainly commend the work of the committee and the intent behind raising this important issue.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

While acknowledging the advocacy of the member for Traeger and committing to support the committee's other recommendations, opposed the bill as it would lessen existing safeguards and create a two-tiered system contrary to royal commission recommendations.

“I can advise the member for Traeger that we are supporting all of the recommendations in the committee report. Again, I acknowledge that while very well-intentioned, this bill would lessen existing safeguards.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Acknowledges the serious problems with the blue card system affecting Indigenous communities but believes the solution is not in this bill; supports the committee's alternative recommendations for urgent improvements rather than transferring decision-making to community justice groups.

“It became clear that the issues are enormous. However, the solution was not in this bill.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

While understanding and sharing the frustration of the member for Traeger, could not support the bill due to concerns about unintended consequences and non-compliance with royal commission recommendations. Criticised government inaction on QFCC recommendations.

“Member for Traeger while we cannot agree, we support your intention and thank you for bringing this to the House.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Opposes the bill on the grounds that it would create a two-tiered system contrary to the Royal Commission's recommendations on equity in child protection; supports the committee's seven recommendations which the government has committed to implementing.

“At its heart this bill proposes the creation of a two-tiered system that is directly contrary to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that equity in child protection is upheld while diverse needs are taken into account.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

As committee chair, acknowledged the manifest disadvantage faced by First Nations people in the blue card system but recommended the bill not be passed as it creates a two-tiered system contrary to royal commission recommendations.

“At its heart, this bill recommends the creation of a two tiered system and that is directly contrary to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The bill, if passed, would create more problems than it seeks to solve.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Commends the intent of the bill and criticises the government's shameful inaction over three committee inquiries; acknowledges significant problems with the blue card system affecting Indigenous communities but notes doubts about the operationalisation of the bill's proposed solution.

“We in the LNP certainly commend and support the intent of this bill. The way in which it was to be operationalised was subject to some doubts and concerns throughout the committee process—that is why we are not supporting the bill—but the government needs to pick up its act and do better.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Could not support the bill due to unintended consequences but praised the member for Traeger for highlighting systemic issues. Committed to holding the government accountable on implementing QFCC recommendations.

“While the Attorney has tabled a response from the government, it is upon the opposition to work with the crossbench to hold the government to account on all of those responses and the recommendations that after seven years we still have not seen implemented.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Opposes the bill because it would provide fewer child safety protections for First Nations children than for other children; supports the committee report recommendations as a safer and more sensible approach to reform.

“I cannot and do not support the prospect that the access for adults who would otherwise be unable to meet the safety protections for obtaining a blue card should be able to in remote Indigenous communities, because it will come at the cost of safety of kids in those communities.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Thanked the member for Traeger for bringing the matter forward but supported the committee recommendation that the bill not be passed as it creates a two-tiered system contrary to royal commission recommendations. Supported the government's alternative responses.

“Although recommendation 1 speaks to not passing the bill, we should take note that recommendations 2 through to 7 indicate why the hearings and subsequent report have been so very worthwhile.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supports the objectives of addressing disproportionate barriers First Nations people face in the blue card system but is not convinced this bill adequately achieves those objectives; prefers alternative reforms such as tightening the definition of serious offences and requiring cultural considerations in decision-making.

“I absolutely support the intent of this bill. I need to put on record my appreciation and recognition of the effort that has gone into putting this bill before the parliament and raising such an important issue again. While we cannot support the bill in this form, I genuinely hope that the government listens to some of the suggested alternatives.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Supported the intent but could not support the bill as it contradicts royal commission recommendation 28 against conditional blue cards. Heavily criticised the government for implementing only 16 of 81 QFCC recommendations in nearly six years.

“While the LNP cannot support this bill in its current form, I want to make it really clear that we support the intent of the bill and we urge the state government to do its job.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Supports the bill as it would empower Indigenous communities to make decisions about employment within their cultural areas while still protecting children; argues the one-size-fits-all blue card system has had an enormously negative impact on communities where unemployment is chronically high.

“It is vital to remember that employment can and does have a positive effect on individuals. It can prevent criminal activity but can also be rehabilitative for those who have previously committed offences.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

As a committee member, acknowledged the intention behind the bill but could not support it as it contrasts with review recommendations. Supported the committee's alternative recommendations and the government's acceptance of them.

“While I cannot support the member's bill, I am really encouraged that the government has accepted all of the committee's recommendations.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

As the bill's sponsor, passionately argues for its passage to address the devastating impact of the current blue card system on remote Indigenous communities, emphasising that meaningful employment is the key to addressing intergenerational unemployment, welfare dependency, and family dysfunction.

“Meaningful work is their salvation. It is the one common denominator in just about every conversation I have with people appealing for help up there.”— 2023-03-14View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, arguing it provides real solutions for Indigenous communities. Criticised the government for promoting Voice and treaty while voting against practical measures to help First Nations people.

“I find it incredibly disingenuous for our government to promote Voice and treaty while at the same time voting against real solutions that would have a life-changing positive impact on Indigenous communities.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Acknowledged the member for Traeger's long advocacy but opposed the bill as it would lessen existing safeguards and is inconsistent with No Card, No Start reforms. Supported implementing the committee's alternative recommendations.

“Though well intentioned as the bill is, it does not serve the best interests of children and the safety of children.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill and commended the member for Traeger's 10 years of advocacy. Argued the current system prevents economic prosperity for Indigenous families and that community input into blue card decisions would create meaningful change.

“Until you can open up some passageway to meaningful employment for these people you do not have an opportunity to rebuild the family unit, address youth crime, address intergenerational unemployment and address alcohol and drug dependency within the community.”— 2023-02-21View Hansard