Petition to reverse Labor’s howler
The State Liberals have launched a petition calling on the Malinauskas Labor Government to reverse its short-sighted decision to scrap a Social Worker Registration Scheme.
Shadow Minister for Child Protection Laura Henderson said Labor has undone years of hard work by turning its back on the scheme, which was recommended after a coronial inquest into the tragic death of four-year-old Chloe Valentine in 2012.
“It is shameful that this Labor Government tried to sneak through this announcement on a Friday afternoon without consulting Chloe Valentine’s family,” Mrs Henderson said.
“Stakeholders are telling me they were absolutely blindsided and are baffled as to why they found out via the media.
“This is a real slap in the face to those who spent years advocating for the important reform, which would have seen South Australia lead the nation in the regulation of social work.
“The scheme would have ensured that high-risk work with our state’s most vulnerable was only carried out by those who are suitably educated and experienced.
“It is not too late for the Government to change its mind – and that’s precisely what we’re calling for with this petition.”
The Malinauskas Labor Government had committed $4.7 million to support the establishment and implementation of the scheme. In 2024, then Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said it would bring “well-deserved benefits, respect and support to the social work profession”.
Shadow Attorney-General Josh Teague said the Government’s decision has devastated Chloe Valentine’s grandmother, who spent years advocating for the scheme.
“Belinda Valentine fought tirelessly to make sure children never have to experience what Chloe went through, and this decision undermines that important legacy,” Mr Teague said.
“This scheme was about ensuring social workers met consistent professional standards and giving vulnerable children and families the protections they deserve.
“The Premier should listen to social workers, listen to Chloe’s family and reverse this decision before more damage is done.”
The ‘Stop the Scrap’ petition to can be signed here.
The State Liberals have launched a petition calling on the Malinauskas Labor Government to reverse its short-sighted decision to scrap a Social Worker Registration Scheme.
Shadow Minister for Child Protection Laura Henderson said Labor has undone years of hard work by turning its back on the scheme, which was recommended after a coronial inquest into the tragic death of four-year-old Chloe Valentine in 2012.
“It is shameful that this Labor Government tried to sneak through this announcement on a Friday afternoon without consulting Chloe Valentine’s family,” Mrs Henderson said.
“Stakeholders are telling me they were absolutely blindsided and are baffled as to why they found out via the media.
“This is a real slap in the face to those who spent years advocating for the important reform, which would have seen South Australia lead the nation in the regulation of social work.
“The scheme would have ensured that high-risk work with our state’s most vulnerable was only carried out by those who are suitably educated and experienced.
“It is not too late for the Government to change its mind – and that’s precisely what we’re calling for with this petition.”
The Malinauskas Labor Government had committed $4.7 million to support the establishment and implementation of the scheme. In 2024, then Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard said it would bring “well-deserved benefits, respect and support to the social work profession”.
Shadow Attorney-General Josh Teague said the Government’s decision has devastated Chloe Valentine’s grandmother, who spent years advocating for the scheme.
“Belinda Valentine fought tirelessly to make sure children never have to experience what Chloe went through, and this decision undermines that important legacy,” Mr Teague said.
“This scheme was about ensuring social workers met consistent professional standards and giving vulnerable children and families the protections they deserve.
“The Premier should listen to social workers, listen to Chloe’s family and reverse this decision before more damage is done.”
The ‘Stop the Scrap’ petition to can be signed here.
The scheme would have ensured that high-risk work with our state’s most vulnerable was only carried out by those who are suitably educated and experienced.
