The wellbeing of women and children is a priority for the Australian Government.
In consultation with the elected Regional Councillors and the local community, the Government will expand support services and modernise laws so Norfolk Islanders have access to improved support services and protections.
Australian Government representatives have met with residents over the past few months to understand community needs and learn more about the community.
The community is already seeing the benefits of being part of Australia’s social security and health system which provide an important safety net for families.
The Australian Government is working on options for improving local services that promote the health, safety and wellbeing of children and families on Norfolk Island.
Upgrades to the school and health and aged care service, tourism initiatives and infrastructure such as the Cascade Pier redevelopment and the Banyan Park Play Centre upgrade will create jobs and provide better outcomes for Norfolk Islanders.
The importance of providing families and children with appropriate services and support is recognised in the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020, a blueprint to help families support children, and provide services to keep children safe and well.
With one in three Australian women experiencing physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, work is also underway across Australia as part of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
The community of Norfolk Island is entitled to equivalent protections and support to other Australians.
I will continue to keep the community informed about proposed changes and developments.
If you, or anyone you know, has concerns about the wellbeing of women and children or if you would like further advice and support please contact the Child Welfare Officer or Police on Island.
All information received will be confidential, unless, by law, it is required to be reported to police or the child welfare officer, to stop a person being harmed.
Norfolk Island Police
Telephone: 22222Emergencies – telephone 000, then
Dial 1 for Ambulance
Dial 2 for Police
Dial 3 for FireChild Welfare Officer
Telephone: 22687 (landline) or 51115 (mobile)
You can also contact these services for assistance, for the cost of a local call:
1800RESPECT
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service
1800 737 732
www.1800respect.org.au
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
www.kidshelpline.com.au
Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
www.crimestoppers.com.au
Eric Hutchinson
31 August 2017