AUSTRALIA
WA Today
August 20, 2014
Leanne Nicholson
Deputy editor, WAtoday
Strengthening child abuse laws, more education and easier reporting of crimes are among recommended changes to toughen state laws protecting West Australia’s vulnerable.
Sixteen recommendations from a review into the Commissioner for Children and Young People Act were tabled in state parliament on Wednesday and are now open for public comment for the next three months.
Among the recommendation are the commissioner should receive complaints from children and young people, or adults acting on their behalf, about alleged child abuse, for referral on to the relevant investigative authority.
WA Attorney General Michael Mischin said the review found overall the Act had operated effectively and achieved the purpose of promoting the wellbeing of children and young people in Western Australia.
However, Mr Mischin said the review identified some areas for improvement.
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