DCP deputy to remain on indefinite leave as Chief Executive Jackie Bray proposes major restructure

Sweeping changes have been proposed for the embattled Child Protection Department, as it’s revealed a senior executive will remain on leave indefinitely.

Department for Child Protection Chief Executive Jackie Bray has proposed a major restructure for the agency. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Kelly Barnes

A top child protection executive will remain on indefinite leave until at least the end of the year, as it’s revealed the embattled agency is set to undergo a major restructure with a number of new senior roles.

This week, Department for Child Protection staff and the Public Service Association were briefed by Chief Executive Jackie Bray about sweeping changes within the department, including a number of new directorial positions.

The restructure, which will be overseen by Ms Bray, hoped to address “the over-representation of Aboriginal children in care, elevating the voice of the child and improving supports for foster and kinship carers”.

A department spokesperson said there were “opportunities for more defined focus and dedicated leadership in parts of the agency”.

Proposed changes within the department include appointing a new Self-Determination/Aboriginal Strategy and Partnerships Directorate — focusing on Closing the Gap commitments — and a Director of Care Services role, with a focus on supporting carers and increasing family-based care.

A new Voice of the Child Coordinator will also be appointed, responsible for “optimising opportunities where the voice of the child informs and is reflected in the agency’s services, policies and programs”.

There will be no changes to frontline service delivery roles as part of proposed amendments, and no reduction in FTE, the spokesperson said.

The department will seek feedback from staff on the proposed changes in coming weeks.

The move comes a month after questions on notice revealed 49 people had been charged in relation to sexual offences against children in state care in the past two years — two of which resulted in pregnancies.

Last month, it was announced DCP Deputy Chief Executive Adam Reilly, who was appointed to the role under Ms Bray in August last year, had taken a period of leave less than 12 months into the job due to “confidential personal matters”.

Adam Reilly has taken indefinite leave from his role as deputy chief executive of the Department for Child Protection. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Mr Reilly’s leave is understood to be unrelated to the department restructure.

There is no suggestion Mr Reilly’s leave is related to the questions on notice, nor is there any suggestion of any wrongdoing by him.

It is understood Darian Shephard-Bayley, who stepped into Mr Reilly’s role in his absence, has been offered a contract extension as acting deputy until the end of the year.

Two weeks ago, the department also shared a job listing for the role of Out of Home Care Executive Director, which was until recently held by Sue Barr.

Opposition child protection spokesman Josh Teague said the shake-up signified a department clearly “in disarray” amid surging demand for the agency’s services.

“This is a clear admission that the current system is not working and, announced in the Minister’s absence, just amplifies Katrine Hildyard’s irrelevance when the department so clearly requires competent and dedicated ministerial leadership,” Mr Teague said.

“With the system in such a dire state and demand for services so high, this could become a huge added pressure on staff as they grapple with the child protection crisis.

Apparently, the Minister has gone from preoccupied to simply irrelevant.”

More than 3670 carers and community members have signed a Liberal Party petition calling for Child Protection Minister Katrine Hildyard to step down and for the role to be held as a stand-alone portfolio.