Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma says Safe Pathways agreement under review after on-air claims

TASMANIA’S Human Services Minister says a private operator delivering services for children in out-of-home care is under review following a series of allegations.

TASMANIA’S Human Services Minister says a private operator delivering services for children in out-of-home care is under review following a series of allegations.

Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma in State Parliament today. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Last night’s episode of the ABC’s Four Corners program, which focused on Australia’s out-of-home care system, contained allegations against Tasmanian private operator Safe Pathways.

The State Government outsources services for some children in out-of-home care to Safe Pathways.

Former staff alleged to Four Corners that children under the business’s care were surviving on a pittance and going without basics such as food, clothing and healthcare.

In State Parliament today, Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the Government’s agreement with the company was under review.

“I became aware of this situation in early October, each allegation which has been referred to myself and the department has been treated seriously and has been investigated,” she said.

Ms Petrusma said all children under Safe Pathways’ care had been visited by department staff and found to be safe.

She said each child would be visited again today.

Opposition Leader Bryan Green said Tasmanian children in out-of-home care appeared to be on the receiving end of “appalling treatment” on the Liberals’ watch.

Originally published as Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma says Safe Pathways agreement under review after on-air claims