Labor claims go-slow on tough-love kid camp complaints

Correspondence reveals that the government has been aware of complaints about the Brahminy Program for months, Labor’s Josh Willie says.

• Tasmania Government probe into $274k a year tough love camp in the Northern Territory
• Costs mount for Tasmanian youths sent to the Brahminy youth camp in the Northern Territory

THE government has been slow to respond to complaints about a “tough love” kids camp in the Northern Territory, Labor says.

Opposition child safety spokesman Josh Willie on Wednesday released correspondence he said that revealed Child Safety Services began an investigation into complaints about Brahminy in February.

The government is paying $274,000 per child per year for the NT’s Brahminy Program, which, uses “tough love” techniques for troubled kids who are not suited to mainstream programs.

The state’s participation in the program was suspended in 2016, but has since resumed.

Human Services Minister Roger Jaensch said he had ordered a review of the program — which follows other reviews in 2017 and 2019.

Jack Laidlaw and Allan Brahminy with a few of the resident animals at the Brahminy Foundation rehabilitation facility

Mr Willie said a complaint was made by the mother of a youth in the program directly to the Commissioner for Children, who passed it on to CSS.

“Despite having made the complaint in February, this parent still hasn’t been informed of the outcome of the investigation,” Mr Willie said.

“Her son remains in the Northern Territory, despite repeated requests him to be brought home.

“Roger Jaensch indicated yesterday that he only became aware of concerns about the Brahminy program following media reporting.

“Has Roger Jaensch misled Tasmanians yet again? Was he made aware of Child Safety Service’s investigation in February?”

Premier Peter Gutwein on Wednesday said he was aware of media reporting around Brahminy.

“What’s been raised is concerning and a review was announced yesterday by the Minister and I think that’s entirely appropriate,” he said.

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