Arabic version: مواجهة كوك بشأن أزمة حماية الأطفال في ساوث هيدلاند
According to ABC News, WA Premier Roger Cook was confronted by South Hedland residents during his first visit to the town since the state government announced a coronial inquest into the deaths of three local children. Residents raised concerns about reported child protection failings during the five-hour visit.
The renewed investigation concerns the 2022 deaths of Margaret Hawke’s 10-year-old daughter, seven-year-old son and four-month-old baby. It followed political and media pressure over failures by WA’s Department of Child Protection. The visit also came after reports that up to 15 children had been living unsupervised in a state-owned South Hedland home until September.
Mr Cook arrived to announce that a contractor had been selected to build a long-promised $22 million MRI facility. He was joined by Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski, who was making her fourth trip to South Hedland in nine weeks. Their schedule was dominated by closed-door discussions with government agencies and service partners.
Nyamal-Pitjikarli elder Doris Eaton told the premier and minister they needed to spend more time in the community. After talks with Hedland Aboriginal Strong Leaders, a resident identifying herself as a former foster carer asked when the department would be accountable and speak with the community. Mr Cook said he appreciated that people wanted to see improvements.
No child protection policy announcements were made during the visit, and Mr Cook did not meet families affected by the crisis. He said the focus was consulting people delivering services. Ms Stojkovski said a relief team had been sent to South Hedland and expected an assurance review into recommendations following the Hawke murders by the end of the month.
The visit followed a report tabled in parliament by Commissioner for Children and Young People Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, examining 19 children repeatedly placed in secure care and making 56 recommendations. Opposition leader Basil Zempilas criticised Mr Cook for not meeting affected families.
