Disappointed with NT Manditory Reporting Legislation
CRANAplus President, Christopher Cliffe today said, “I’m gobsmacked on hearing about this change to mandatory reporting in the NT. Of course we all want children protected and mandatory reporting has a role, but I can’t see how this is in the best interest of young people who are consensually sexually active”.
Remote Health is provided by professional, highly skilled, intuitive and culturally sensitive Doctors, Midwives, Nurses and Indigenous & Allied Health Workers who are more than capable of balancing the reporting of suspected abuse with the best interests and wellbeing of their clients.
“I think this could make the job of many health professionals, who work with young people, even more difficult. There is real potential to jeopardise trusting relationships and prevent the delivery of harm minimisation strategies. It just feels like a reduction in young people’s rights by a conservative, inflexible law that will have consequences in Aboriginal communities.” said Mr Cliffe.
CRANAplus asks the Northern Territory Government to consult with its workforce and remote communities, then revisit this recent change, and develop laws that are sensitive to the unique needs and challenges of remote health in the interests of closing the Gap.
Contact:
Christopher Cliffe President CRANAplus 0427 826 409
Carole Taylor CEO CRANAplus 0429 649 226