North-Eastern Metropolitan Region
Nick McGOWAN (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:53): I undertook in this place last sitting week that every day I would speak in respect to Parentline, and I do so again today. In fact today I direct my question on behalf of my local constituents – it was because of them and in particular one mother there who raised her concern. In a previous life she used to work for Parentline, and she is extremely concerned at the prospect that on 31 October, which is just 66 days from now, Parentline will close – it will cease. Parentline, as we know, services in excess of 17,800 calls every year. There is currently, as we understand from the minister’s response in this place, no plan whatsoever to replace that service. That is to say that when parents seek help for their children between the ages of 5 and 18, there will be nowhere to turn. There will simply be no-one at the end of that line. I seek from the Premier her urgent intervention to save Parentline on behalf of all of my constituents.