Latest news with #Clare
Extra.ie
9 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
Hurler jury: 'What's the next step if we're not unanimous?'
The jury in the assault trial of former Clare hurler Niall Gilligan, an All-Star and All-Ireland winner, is to continue their deliberations today. At Ennis Circuit Court, just before 5pm yesterday, Judge Francis Comerford sent the jury home to come back today and 'make a fresh start of it'. The jury deliberated for two hours and 47 minutes before returning with a question for the judge yesterday at 4.51 pm. Hurler Niall Gilligan. Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan The jury foreman asked: 'What is the next step if we are not unanimous?', to which the judge replied: 'There are various procedures which can kick in if juries are not unanimous, but they can only be taken at various points. 'It is always preferable that you try to reach a unanimous verdict – that is the idea, and it is better than any alternative. At 4.50 pm, I think it is appropriate that you break for the day and come back tomorrow [today] and make a fresh start of it.' He said if the jury is still not unanimous in its verdict after a while today, the position can be reviewed. Mr Gilligan, 48, of Rossroe, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, denies assault causing harm with a stick to a then 12-year-old boy at the Jamaica Inn hostel, Sixmilebridge, on October 5, 2023. Hurler Niall Gilligan. Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan In his charge to the jury, Judge Comerford directed that if they are satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that the first encounter between Mr Gilligan and the boy that led to the force being applied commenced and started outside the Jamaica Inn rather than in the corridor of the building, then they can't consider the lawful use of force as a defence. He also said that in the defence of self-defence, they should consider if the accused honestly believed he had to use force for the purpose of protecting himself from an assault or damage to his property. He said if the answer is 'no', the self-defence defence is no longer available. He said that if the answer is yes, then was the force used by the accused reasonable and necessary in the circumstances as he saw them? If the answer is 'yes' to that question, he said, 'then you must acquit'. 'If no, it wasn't reasonably necessary, well then he is guilty of the offence,' he added.
Sky News AU
2 hours ago
- Business
- Sky News AU
'More money in your pocket... not the government's': Major change to HECS could help millions of Aussies save $1300 per year
Millions of Australians struggling under the weight of rising living costs and mounting student debts will soon receive a much needed financial break, as the Albanese government rolls out sweeping changes to the HECS system. In a major policy move, the Labor Government proposed 20 percent cuts off all existing HECS student debts, a change that will help millions of Australians struggling to pay their student debts. This legislation was introduced by the Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare and is considered to be the first bill introduced by the Albanese government before the start of Parliament's second term. "The average HELP debt today is about $27,600," Mr Clare said in his second reading speech. "When this legislation passes it will cut that debt by about $5,520." "If you have got a debt of $50,000 it will cut it by $10,000," he added. "All up it will cut student debt by over $16 billion." "This bill raises the minimum amount you have to earn before you have to start making repayments – from $54,435 in 2024-25 to $67,000 in 2025-26 and it reduces the minimum repayments you have to make." He continued to explain that for people earning $70,000 it will reduce the minimum repayments they have to make by $1,300 annually. The legislation targets HELP debt, VET loans and apprenticeship loans and is aimed for Australians earning between $60,000 and $180,000. These changes will also raise the minimum repayment threshold, meaning if you earn above the current minimum repayment threshold of $54,435, you will have to pay a percentage of your entire wage as a repayment. It is also known that young professionals and early-career workers, including nurses, teachers, and tradespeople, are expected to be the biggest winners from these changes. However, the universities accord final report described it as 'deeply unfair' as it punishes students who follow their passion and interest. Labor's latest reforms especially this one is seen as a vital initiative that provides immediate financial relief and long term stability to millions of Australians who have been trying to stay afloat in a tough economic conditions.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Graduates to pocket thousands with uni debt law to pass
Laws to cut debts for university students and graduates are expected to be waved through parliament, saving people hundreds of dollars a year in repayments. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said legislation to slash HECS debts by 20 per cent and increase income thresholds before minimum repayments kick in will make the system fairer. "It means you start paying off your uni degree when uni starts to pay off for you," he said while introducing the bill to the House of Representatives on Wednesday. It is the first bill the Albanese government put before parliament at the start of its second term. People earning between $60,000 and $180,000 will save hundreds of dollars each year under the changes. Someone on $70,000 will save the most - $1300 a year - on minimum repayments due to an increase to the thresholds at which the debts must be paid back. "That's real cost-of-living help," Mr Clare said. "More money in your pocket, not the government's, when you really need it." The bill is set to sail through both houses of parliament after the opposition flagged it would support the measure. The coalition originally opposed the bill, calling it "elitist", but changed its tune after a thumping election loss in May. "We will be constructive where we can," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Sky News. "That doesn't mean a blank cheque of goodwill for everything that comes across the table from the Labor Party." Bruce Chapman, the architect of the HECS scheme, said the relief would make the system fairer by giving those on lower salaries more money in their pockets. But the top priority should be reviewing the price of each degree because humanities students finish with the highest level of debt and end up being the lowest-paid graduates. "All the prices are wrong," Professor Chapman told AAP. Mr Clare said further reforms were being looked at after the failure of the former Liberal government's job-ready program. The program aimed to fill skills shortages by making it cheaper to take courses like teaching, nursing and psychology, while doubling the cost of popular degrees including law, communications, business, humanities and the arts. "If the intention there was to reduce the number of people doing arts degrees, it hasn't worked," Mr Clare said. "People study the courses they're interested in, that they want to do, that they love." The universities' accord final report branded the program "deeply unfair" because it punished students who followed their interests. It recommended that fees reflect future earning potential as part of 47 recommendations to reform the sector. Other aspects about how HECS debts were paid off also needed to be addressed, Prof Chapman said. HECS repayments are taken from a person's pay slip if they're earning above an income threshold. But the money isn't immediately taken off the total debt and is instead deducted as a lump sum at the end of the financial year after indexation has been applied. The university accord recommended the arrangement be changed to make the system fairer. The Australian Tertiary Education Commission has been established in an interim capacity to implement long-term university reform and will review the HECS system over the next 12 months. Mr Clare will introduce further legislation in the coming months to set the commission up as a permanent body. Laws to cut debts for university students and graduates are expected to be waved through parliament, saving people hundreds of dollars a year in repayments. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said legislation to slash HECS debts by 20 per cent and increase income thresholds before minimum repayments kick in will make the system fairer. "It means you start paying off your uni degree when uni starts to pay off for you," he said while introducing the bill to the House of Representatives on Wednesday. It is the first bill the Albanese government put before parliament at the start of its second term. People earning between $60,000 and $180,000 will save hundreds of dollars each year under the changes. Someone on $70,000 will save the most - $1300 a year - on minimum repayments due to an increase to the thresholds at which the debts must be paid back. "That's real cost-of-living help," Mr Clare said. "More money in your pocket, not the government's, when you really need it." The bill is set to sail through both houses of parliament after the opposition flagged it would support the measure. The coalition originally opposed the bill, calling it "elitist", but changed its tune after a thumping election loss in May. "We will be constructive where we can," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Sky News. "That doesn't mean a blank cheque of goodwill for everything that comes across the table from the Labor Party." Bruce Chapman, the architect of the HECS scheme, said the relief would make the system fairer by giving those on lower salaries more money in their pockets. But the top priority should be reviewing the price of each degree because humanities students finish with the highest level of debt and end up being the lowest-paid graduates. "All the prices are wrong," Professor Chapman told AAP. Mr Clare said further reforms were being looked at after the failure of the former Liberal government's job-ready program. The program aimed to fill skills shortages by making it cheaper to take courses like teaching, nursing and psychology, while doubling the cost of popular degrees including law, communications, business, humanities and the arts. "If the intention there was to reduce the number of people doing arts degrees, it hasn't worked," Mr Clare said. "People study the courses they're interested in, that they want to do, that they love." The universities' accord final report branded the program "deeply unfair" because it punished students who followed their interests. It recommended that fees reflect future earning potential as part of 47 recommendations to reform the sector. Other aspects about how HECS debts were paid off also needed to be addressed, Prof Chapman said. HECS repayments are taken from a person's pay slip if they're earning above an income threshold. But the money isn't immediately taken off the total debt and is instead deducted as a lump sum at the end of the financial year after indexation has been applied. The university accord recommended the arrangement be changed to make the system fairer. The Australian Tertiary Education Commission has been established in an interim capacity to implement long-term university reform and will review the HECS system over the next 12 months. Mr Clare will introduce further legislation in the coming months to set the commission up as a permanent body. Laws to cut debts for university students and graduates are expected to be waved through parliament, saving people hundreds of dollars a year in repayments. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said legislation to slash HECS debts by 20 per cent and increase income thresholds before minimum repayments kick in will make the system fairer. "It means you start paying off your uni degree when uni starts to pay off for you," he said while introducing the bill to the House of Representatives on Wednesday. It is the first bill the Albanese government put before parliament at the start of its second term. People earning between $60,000 and $180,000 will save hundreds of dollars each year under the changes. Someone on $70,000 will save the most - $1300 a year - on minimum repayments due to an increase to the thresholds at which the debts must be paid back. "That's real cost-of-living help," Mr Clare said. "More money in your pocket, not the government's, when you really need it." The bill is set to sail through both houses of parliament after the opposition flagged it would support the measure. The coalition originally opposed the bill, calling it "elitist", but changed its tune after a thumping election loss in May. "We will be constructive where we can," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Sky News. "That doesn't mean a blank cheque of goodwill for everything that comes across the table from the Labor Party." Bruce Chapman, the architect of the HECS scheme, said the relief would make the system fairer by giving those on lower salaries more money in their pockets. But the top priority should be reviewing the price of each degree because humanities students finish with the highest level of debt and end up being the lowest-paid graduates. "All the prices are wrong," Professor Chapman told AAP. Mr Clare said further reforms were being looked at after the failure of the former Liberal government's job-ready program. The program aimed to fill skills shortages by making it cheaper to take courses like teaching, nursing and psychology, while doubling the cost of popular degrees including law, communications, business, humanities and the arts. "If the intention there was to reduce the number of people doing arts degrees, it hasn't worked," Mr Clare said. "People study the courses they're interested in, that they want to do, that they love." The universities' accord final report branded the program "deeply unfair" because it punished students who followed their interests. It recommended that fees reflect future earning potential as part of 47 recommendations to reform the sector. Other aspects about how HECS debts were paid off also needed to be addressed, Prof Chapman said. HECS repayments are taken from a person's pay slip if they're earning above an income threshold. But the money isn't immediately taken off the total debt and is instead deducted as a lump sum at the end of the financial year after indexation has been applied. The university accord recommended the arrangement be changed to make the system fairer. The Australian Tertiary Education Commission has been established in an interim capacity to implement long-term university reform and will review the HECS system over the next 12 months. Mr Clare will introduce further legislation in the coming months to set the commission up as a permanent body. Laws to cut debts for university students and graduates are expected to be waved through parliament, saving people hundreds of dollars a year in repayments. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said legislation to slash HECS debts by 20 per cent and increase income thresholds before minimum repayments kick in will make the system fairer. "It means you start paying off your uni degree when uni starts to pay off for you," he said while introducing the bill to the House of Representatives on Wednesday. It is the first bill the Albanese government put before parliament at the start of its second term. People earning between $60,000 and $180,000 will save hundreds of dollars each year under the changes. Someone on $70,000 will save the most - $1300 a year - on minimum repayments due to an increase to the thresholds at which the debts must be paid back. "That's real cost-of-living help," Mr Clare said. "More money in your pocket, not the government's, when you really need it." The bill is set to sail through both houses of parliament after the opposition flagged it would support the measure. The coalition originally opposed the bill, calling it "elitist", but changed its tune after a thumping election loss in May. "We will be constructive where we can," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told Sky News. "That doesn't mean a blank cheque of goodwill for everything that comes across the table from the Labor Party." Bruce Chapman, the architect of the HECS scheme, said the relief would make the system fairer by giving those on lower salaries more money in their pockets. But the top priority should be reviewing the price of each degree because humanities students finish with the highest level of debt and end up being the lowest-paid graduates. "All the prices are wrong," Professor Chapman told AAP. Mr Clare said further reforms were being looked at after the failure of the former Liberal government's job-ready program. The program aimed to fill skills shortages by making it cheaper to take courses like teaching, nursing and psychology, while doubling the cost of popular degrees including law, communications, business, humanities and the arts. "If the intention there was to reduce the number of people doing arts degrees, it hasn't worked," Mr Clare said. "People study the courses they're interested in, that they want to do, that they love." The universities' accord final report branded the program "deeply unfair" because it punished students who followed their interests. It recommended that fees reflect future earning potential as part of 47 recommendations to reform the sector. Other aspects about how HECS debts were paid off also needed to be addressed, Prof Chapman said. HECS repayments are taken from a person's pay slip if they're earning above an income threshold. But the money isn't immediately taken off the total debt and is instead deducted as a lump sum at the end of the financial year after indexation has been applied. The university accord recommended the arrangement be changed to make the system fairer. The Australian Tertiary Education Commission has been established in an interim capacity to implement long-term university reform and will review the HECS system over the next 12 months. Mr Clare will introduce further legislation in the coming months to set the commission up as a permanent body.
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Big weapon' wielded to strengthen childcare safety
Childcare centres that fail to meet standards could soon be stripped of their funding under reforms fast-tracked in response to horrifying abuse allegations. The changes were introduced to the House of Representatives on the first day of parliamentary business since the May election. They follow widespread calls for change after a Victorian childcare worker was charged with dozens of sex offences involving children. State regulators can already shut a centre on the spot if there is an imminent threat to safety. But Education Minister Jason Clare said the Commonwealth could also try to lift standards through its available levers. "We have to do everything that we can to ensure the safety of our children when they walk or when they're carried through the doors of an early education and care service," he told parliament on Wednesday. "Funding is the big weapon that the Australian government has to wield here. "The real purpose of this legislation isn't to shut centres down, but to raise standards." Any childcare operators that fail to meet quality, safety and compliance standards could be prevented from opening new centres and might be cut off from receiving government subsidies, which typically cover a large proportion of parents' fees. Providers would be issued with a formal notice requiring an explanation within 28 days with the Department of Education able to cancel or suspend an operator's approval. "Providers that can improve their services to meet the standard will get the chance to do that," Mr Clare said. "Services that don't or can't or won't will lose their access to funding." The bill also expands commonwealth powers to publish information about providers that are sanctioned for non-compliance. State, territory and federal ministers are expected to meet in August to discuss other changes, including mandatory CCTV in childcare centres, establishing a national worker registry and mandatory child-safety training. Information on centres for which childcare subsidy approvals have been suspended or cancelled can already be viewed on the department's website. But the legislation would also allow for information to be made public when compliance action is taken against providers, like when an infringement notice is issued. Commonwealth-authorised officers would also be given more powers to do their jobs through the ability to enter premises without consent during operating hours to detect non-compliance across the sector. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the coalition would need to examine the legislation closely. "I wanted this issue to be above politics, as somebody who's dropped my own children off at child care and now sees my children dropping their children at child care," she told ABC News. "I'm incredibly concerned, so I do want to be constructive, but that being constructive doesn't mean giving the government a blank cheque when it comes to goodwill on this issue." Mr Clare said parents were "not interested in excuses, they expect action". There were still issues with sharing information on working-with-children checks between jurisdictions, he added, and more work would be done at an upcoming meeting of state and federal attorneys-general. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Childcare centres that fail to meet standards could soon be stripped of their funding under reforms fast-tracked in response to horrifying abuse allegations. The changes were introduced to the House of Representatives on the first day of parliamentary business since the May election. They follow widespread calls for change after a Victorian childcare worker was charged with dozens of sex offences involving children. State regulators can already shut a centre on the spot if there is an imminent threat to safety. But Education Minister Jason Clare said the Commonwealth could also try to lift standards through its available levers. "We have to do everything that we can to ensure the safety of our children when they walk or when they're carried through the doors of an early education and care service," he told parliament on Wednesday. "Funding is the big weapon that the Australian government has to wield here. "The real purpose of this legislation isn't to shut centres down, but to raise standards." Any childcare operators that fail to meet quality, safety and compliance standards could be prevented from opening new centres and might be cut off from receiving government subsidies, which typically cover a large proportion of parents' fees. Providers would be issued with a formal notice requiring an explanation within 28 days with the Department of Education able to cancel or suspend an operator's approval. "Providers that can improve their services to meet the standard will get the chance to do that," Mr Clare said. "Services that don't or can't or won't will lose their access to funding." The bill also expands commonwealth powers to publish information about providers that are sanctioned for non-compliance. State, territory and federal ministers are expected to meet in August to discuss other changes, including mandatory CCTV in childcare centres, establishing a national worker registry and mandatory child-safety training. Information on centres for which childcare subsidy approvals have been suspended or cancelled can already be viewed on the department's website. But the legislation would also allow for information to be made public when compliance action is taken against providers, like when an infringement notice is issued. Commonwealth-authorised officers would also be given more powers to do their jobs through the ability to enter premises without consent during operating hours to detect non-compliance across the sector. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the coalition would need to examine the legislation closely. "I wanted this issue to be above politics, as somebody who's dropped my own children off at child care and now sees my children dropping their children at child care," she told ABC News. "I'm incredibly concerned, so I do want to be constructive, but that being constructive doesn't mean giving the government a blank cheque when it comes to goodwill on this issue." Mr Clare said parents were "not interested in excuses, they expect action". There were still issues with sharing information on working-with-children checks between jurisdictions, he added, and more work would be done at an upcoming meeting of state and federal attorneys-general. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Childcare centres that fail to meet standards could soon be stripped of their funding under reforms fast-tracked in response to horrifying abuse allegations. The changes were introduced to the House of Representatives on the first day of parliamentary business since the May election. They follow widespread calls for change after a Victorian childcare worker was charged with dozens of sex offences involving children. State regulators can already shut a centre on the spot if there is an imminent threat to safety. But Education Minister Jason Clare said the Commonwealth could also try to lift standards through its available levers. "We have to do everything that we can to ensure the safety of our children when they walk or when they're carried through the doors of an early education and care service," he told parliament on Wednesday. "Funding is the big weapon that the Australian government has to wield here. "The real purpose of this legislation isn't to shut centres down, but to raise standards." Any childcare operators that fail to meet quality, safety and compliance standards could be prevented from opening new centres and might be cut off from receiving government subsidies, which typically cover a large proportion of parents' fees. Providers would be issued with a formal notice requiring an explanation within 28 days with the Department of Education able to cancel or suspend an operator's approval. "Providers that can improve their services to meet the standard will get the chance to do that," Mr Clare said. "Services that don't or can't or won't will lose their access to funding." The bill also expands commonwealth powers to publish information about providers that are sanctioned for non-compliance. State, territory and federal ministers are expected to meet in August to discuss other changes, including mandatory CCTV in childcare centres, establishing a national worker registry and mandatory child-safety training. Information on centres for which childcare subsidy approvals have been suspended or cancelled can already be viewed on the department's website. But the legislation would also allow for information to be made public when compliance action is taken against providers, like when an infringement notice is issued. Commonwealth-authorised officers would also be given more powers to do their jobs through the ability to enter premises without consent during operating hours to detect non-compliance across the sector. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the coalition would need to examine the legislation closely. "I wanted this issue to be above politics, as somebody who's dropped my own children off at child care and now sees my children dropping their children at child care," she told ABC News. "I'm incredibly concerned, so I do want to be constructive, but that being constructive doesn't mean giving the government a blank cheque when it comes to goodwill on this issue." Mr Clare said parents were "not interested in excuses, they expect action". There were still issues with sharing information on working-with-children checks between jurisdictions, he added, and more work would be done at an upcoming meeting of state and federal attorneys-general. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Childcare centres that fail to meet standards could soon be stripped of their funding under reforms fast-tracked in response to horrifying abuse allegations. The changes were introduced to the House of Representatives on the first day of parliamentary business since the May election. They follow widespread calls for change after a Victorian childcare worker was charged with dozens of sex offences involving children. State regulators can already shut a centre on the spot if there is an imminent threat to safety. But Education Minister Jason Clare said the Commonwealth could also try to lift standards through its available levers. "We have to do everything that we can to ensure the safety of our children when they walk or when they're carried through the doors of an early education and care service," he told parliament on Wednesday. "Funding is the big weapon that the Australian government has to wield here. "The real purpose of this legislation isn't to shut centres down, but to raise standards." Any childcare operators that fail to meet quality, safety and compliance standards could be prevented from opening new centres and might be cut off from receiving government subsidies, which typically cover a large proportion of parents' fees. Providers would be issued with a formal notice requiring an explanation within 28 days with the Department of Education able to cancel or suspend an operator's approval. "Providers that can improve their services to meet the standard will get the chance to do that," Mr Clare said. "Services that don't or can't or won't will lose their access to funding." The bill also expands commonwealth powers to publish information about providers that are sanctioned for non-compliance. State, territory and federal ministers are expected to meet in August to discuss other changes, including mandatory CCTV in childcare centres, establishing a national worker registry and mandatory child-safety training. Information on centres for which childcare subsidy approvals have been suspended or cancelled can already be viewed on the department's website. But the legislation would also allow for information to be made public when compliance action is taken against providers, like when an infringement notice is issued. Commonwealth-authorised officers would also be given more powers to do their jobs through the ability to enter premises without consent during operating hours to detect non-compliance across the sector. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the coalition would need to examine the legislation closely. "I wanted this issue to be above politics, as somebody who's dropped my own children off at child care and now sees my children dropping their children at child care," she told ABC News. "I'm incredibly concerned, so I do want to be constructive, but that being constructive doesn't mean giving the government a blank cheque when it comes to goodwill on this issue." Mr Clare said parents were "not interested in excuses, they expect action". There were still issues with sharing information on working-with-children checks between jurisdictions, he added, and more work would be done at an upcoming meeting of state and federal attorneys-general. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
'Big weapon' wielded to strengthen childcare safety
Childcare centres that fail to meet standards could soon be stripped of their funding under reforms fast-tracked in response to horrifying abuse allegations. The changes were introduced to the House of Representatives on the first day of parliamentary business since the May election. They follow widespread calls for change after a Victorian childcare worker was charged with dozens of sex offences involving children. State regulators can already shut a centre on the spot if there is an imminent threat to safety. But Education Minister Jason Clare said the Commonwealth could also try to lift standards through its available levers. "We have to do everything that we can to ensure the safety of our children when they walk or when they're carried through the doors of an early education and care service," he told parliament on Wednesday. "Funding is the big weapon that the Australian government has to wield here. "The real purpose of this legislation isn't to shut centres down, but to raise standards." Any childcare operators that fail to meet quality, safety and compliance standards could be prevented from opening new centres and might be cut off from receiving government subsidies, which typically cover a large proportion of parents' fees. Providers would be issued with a formal notice requiring an explanation within 28 days with the Department of Education able to cancel or suspend an operator's approval. "Providers that can improve their services to meet the standard will get the chance to do that," Mr Clare said. "Services that don't or can't or won't will lose their access to funding." The bill also expands commonwealth powers to publish information about providers that are sanctioned for non-compliance. State, territory and federal ministers are expected to meet in August to discuss other changes, including mandatory CCTV in childcare centres, establishing a national worker registry and mandatory child-safety training. Information on centres for which childcare subsidy approvals have been suspended or cancelled can already be viewed on the department's website. But the legislation would also allow for information to be made public when compliance action is taken against providers, like when an infringement notice is issued. Commonwealth-authorised officers would also be given more powers to do their jobs through the ability to enter premises without consent during operating hours to detect non-compliance across the sector. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the coalition would need to examine the legislation closely. "I wanted this issue to be above politics, as somebody who's dropped my own children off at child care and now sees my children dropping their children at child care," she told ABC News. "I'm incredibly concerned, so I do want to be constructive, but that being constructive doesn't mean giving the government a blank cheque when it comes to goodwill on this issue." Mr Clare said parents were "not interested in excuses, they expect action". There were still issues with sharing information on working-with-children checks between jurisdictions, he added, and more work would be done at an upcoming meeting of state and federal attorneys-general. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
