Killer mum’s pass to work with kids sparks calls for probe

A mum who was granted a working with children check after killing her baby has sparked calls for an “urgent review” into the system, after it was slammed as “disgusting”.

Tina Terlato with Essendon players.

The Shadow Attorney-General is calling for an “urgent review” of working with children checks after killer mum Tina Terlato was granted a permit to make banners for the Essendon cheer squad.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal Victorian Shadow Attorney-General Edward O’Donohue has written to Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes requesting she “urgently commission an independent arm’s length review” into Ms Terlato’s working with children permit and existing processes within the entire system.

It comes after the Sunday Herald Sun revealed last week Ms Terlato, a footy diehard and a member of the Essendon cheer squad, holds a working with children permit and can actively work alongside children making banners, despite her convictions.

Killer mum Tina Terlato.

She pleaded guilty to infanticide after her eight-week-old baby Amanda died with a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain in April 2012, while her twin sister Alicia suffered terrible injuries leaving her with lifelong brain injuries.

Mr O’Donohue said failure to act in the situation was not an option.

“You (Attorney-General) have an obligation to all Victorians to ensure the working with children check regime is working properly and robustly in the best interests of community safety.”

Amanda and Alicia’s family, including their father, Paul Terlato, say they are “disgusted” Terlato holds a working with children permit.

“I’m really pleased Edward O’Donohue has written to the Attorney-General as it’s just disgusting that someone with her criminal record can obtain a permit,” Mr Terlato said.

“They need to review the whole system and make sure her working with children check is urgently revoked.”

Crime Victims Support Association president Noel McNamara said it was a “disgrace” when working with children checks were handed out inappropriately.

“There should be more consideration given to the safety of children and they should review all of the current working with children checks,” Mr McNamara said.

Shadow Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes. Picture: AAP

Shadow police Minister David Southwick said when a convicted child murderer gets a green light to work with kids, the justice system had “catastrophically failed”.

“The Andrews Labor Government must answer serious questions as to how this was allowed to occur,” Mr Southwick said.

A state government spokeswoman said it was inappropriate to comment on individual cases and applications for working with children checks.

“Keeping kids safe is always the priority – that’s why we regularly review the Working with Children Checks scheme to ensure it’s as stringent as possible,” the spokeswoman said.

“Following the promise to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, all Australian states and territories endorsed national standards for WWCCs. Part of this work will be a full review of the categorisation of offences across the country.”

Tina Terlato did not respond to requests for comment.

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