SYKES PRAISES LOCAL PARENTS AND ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR PROMOTION OF CHILD WELLBEING AND SAFETY

Bill Sykes, the Nationals Member for Benalla spoke in Parliament this week on the Child Wellbeing and Safety Bill, emphasising the importance of parents in promoting the wellbeing and safety of children, and praising parents and service organisations in the Benalla Electorate.

After indicating his support for the Bill, particularly its principle that society as a whole should share the responsibility for promoting the wellbeing and safety of children, he emphasised the role of parents saying, “That parents should be the primary nurturers of the child or should take primary responsibility for the child, should never be forgotten. Parents bring the children into the world, and they should continue to have primary responsibility for those children; but extended families and the community as a whole have a responsibility to help parents, particularly when they fall upon tough times, whether they be financial or emotional.”

Dr Sykes went on to praise the efforts of local organisations, North East Support Action for Youth (NESAY), Rose City Christian Life Centre, Benalla Trust Foundation, Up Youth, and Waminda House, in particular. Dr Sykes also singled out two local individuals, Wendy Hazeldene of Benalla and Yvonne Evans of Mount Beauty, for their efforts in supporting young people and families.

Dr Sykes called for a greater level of coordination of the delivery of services to young people and families, for greater recognition of the importance of pre-school years, and for support of community initiated programs for Aboriginal children.

“I also strongly support the principle that all children should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential to participate in society irrespective of their families’ circumstances and background.”

Dr Sykes highlighted the importance and significance of supporting young children and families, “The challenge is for Australian culture to adopt that extended family concept and embrace it and provide better support for our young families. Equally our communities must provide that support, as they do particularly in country Victoria, through our sporting clubs and interest groups.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “This bill sets about supporting the fundamental principles of doing the right thing by our children. The challenge is for us not just to talk the talk, but to walk the walk and get out there and implement these principles and ensure that our children – who are our future – have a safe and sound upbringing.”

For more information on this Bill please contact my Electorate Office on 5762 2100 or drop into 2/55 Carrier Street Benalla.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989