What action is the Government taking to improve child protection services in New South Wales?
Mr NATHAN REES: Most children in New South Wales have parents who are willing and able to care for and love them. That is no less than a child deserves. However, it is a sad truth that not all parents can provide a safe and loving environment for their children. I do not think anyone could forget the horror they felt when confronted with the deaths of two children in late 2007. The death of any child is a tragedy, but the death of a child from the wilful neglect of his or her parents—the people who are supposed to protect and nurture them through life—is sickening and nothing less than criminal. While these cases are extreme and rare, as a community we demanded action. The Government commissioned the Hon. James Wood to investigate and recommend a better way, not only to protect children but also to ensure that they grow up healthy and happy, and to learn and thrive. The commissioner conducted the most extensive inquiry ever undertaken into child protection in Australia. He received mor
