Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Ministers statements: Victorian Protecting Children Awards

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:47): I rise to update the house on the annual Victorian Protecting Children Awards that occurred during September. For the past 20 years these prestigious awards have highlighted the pivotal work right across Victoria’s child protection and family services system – the work that happens to keep Victorian children safe and Victorian families strong. Held in National Child Protection Week, the awards are an important opportunity for representatives of the children and families sector to come together to celebrate the shared successes across the child protection and family services system. We know this work can be challenging, and it is important that this vital sector and the workforce have the opportunity to share their experiences and learnings and to celebrate their shared successes. I take this opportunity to acknowledge all of the workers in the child protection and family services system but in particular today the commitment and dedication of each of the nominees, finalists and winners across the 11 award categories. This year we received a record-breaking 124 nominations, demonstrating the outstanding work across the sector.

In my statement today I wish to pay particular attention to the winner of the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Protecting Children, Vincent Shin. Vincent’s legal career has focused on improving life and justice outcomes for children and young people. He joined Westjustice in 2015, working in the new school lawyer program in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Vincent’s work involves assisting students with their individual legal issues as well as training students and staff to understand young people’s rights and responsibilities and how to self-advocate and find assistance. Over the past three years Vincent has developed the first out-of-home care legal clinic, leading a team to deliver legal education, advice and casework to young people in residential care. I again congratulate Vincent and everyone at Westjustice for their work.

Over the month of September I had the opportunity to acknowledge these important awards, meet with representatives at the Aboriginal Children’s Forum and of course celebrate foster and kinship carers week. However, over the month of September it was only this side of the house that recognised this important work. (Time expired)