We are pleased to jointly acknowledge the release of the report ‘NSW Ombudsman inquiry into the operation of the JIRT Program: The JIRT Partnership – 20 years on’ which the NSW Ombudsman tabled in Parliament on 5th October 2018.

We acknowledge the collaborative and considered approach taken by the Ombudsman in examining the evidence and preparing the report. The review highlights that our collaborative response to serious child abuse is one of the most significant interagency service delivery models in NSW.

Research commissioned by the Ombudsman for this report confirmed the ‘JIRT partnership is a highly sophisticated multi-disciplinary model for responding to child abuse, comparable to the international body of practice.’

We welcome and endorse the Ombudsman’s key findings and key recommendation that JIRT partner agencies (NSW Police, NSW Family and Community Services and NSW Health) continue to jointly deliver and strengthen the JIRT program.

In response to the report, the Secretary, NSW Family and Community Services, Commissioner of the NSW Police Force and the Secretary, NSW Health have agreed on a high level Statement of Intent to underpin this important partnership going forward. The Statement of Intent reaffirms key principles, objectives and core elements of the program and provides for stronger governance and accountability mechanisms, consistent with the report.

Acknowledging that the program has evolved over time, the three agency heads have also decided to rename the program as the Joint Child Protection Response Program. This new name reflects a clearer delineation of agency roles and responsibilities in matters of serious child abuse, while also emphasising the fact that the overall aim of this collaborative partnership is to protect child safety and wellbeing.

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recognised the significance of the NSW Ombudsman Inquiry and the importance of periodically reviewing multidisciplinary responses to child sexual abuse to ensure they remain effective. The NSW Ombudsman has similarly acknowledged that the success of the program is due in part to an ongoing process of review and reform, in response to the frequently changing context of its operation.

NSWPF State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec said: “Police are working hard to ensure a strong and coordinated effort to promote child safety and prevent abuse and neglect. Our combined efforts bring offenders to justice, ensuring the safety of the community.”

Michael Coutts-Trotter, Family and Community Services Secretary said: “We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and protecting them from risk of serious harm and abuse. Working effectively with other agencies helps us keep children and young people safe.”

NSW Health Secretary Elizabeth Koff said: “This report acknowledges the ongoing commitment and contribution of frontline health staff to the care, wellbeing and protection of children and young people in New South Wales. The work our staff do is challenging and far-reaching.”

The three agencies wish to thank all staff for their ongoing commitment and contribution to the care and protection of children and vulnerable people in NSW.

Minister for Women Tanya Davies today named Julie Harpham the REX Airlines 2017 NSW Regional Woman of the Year as part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards at the International Convention Centre Sydney.

“Rural and regional communities are the lifeblood of the state’s economy and Julia is making a significant impact in regional NSW,” Mrs Davies said.

“Julia’s civic leadership has resulted in a grassroots resettlement plan for African refugees in the border township of Mingoola. She is a tireless refugee advocate who has welcomed refugee families and shown hope to regional communities.

“On International Women’s Day 2017, the Women of the Year Awards recognises the many women leading the way in cultural and economic progress in NSW,” Mrs Davies said.

Julia is a school teacher, cattle farmer and local legend who has worked in a vast number of community groups in northern NSW. Along with her husband Philip, she was awarded Tenterfield’s 2017 Citizen of the Year.

The REX Airlines Regional Woman of the Year Award, one of six award categories in this year’s NSW Women of the Year Awards, recognises a woman from a regional area who is making an outstanding contribution to resolving issues faced by a rural or regional community.

The Awards support the NSW Government’s commitment to building an equitable, inclusive and safe society where all women are valued and respected, can contribute meaningfully, and can enjoy the rights, freedoms and protections to which everyone in NSW is entitled.

The Awards are sponsored by First State Super. To discover Julia’s story and the other finalists, visit NSW Women of the Year Awards.