Mayor Khal Asfour says he is relieved to see the Act has been strengthened because the well-being and safety of children is not only a parent’s responsibility but everyone’s.
Anyone who fails to report an incident could face a maximum of penalty of two years in prison.
Mayor Asfour says the City of Canterbury Bankstown is partnering with the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), during National Child Protection Week from September 1-7, to work towards promoting and advocating children’s rights.
“We take child safety and protection very seriously, especially at our library and knowledge centres, leisure and aquatic centres and child care facilities,” he said.
“One of the goals we are striving to achieve in Canterbury-Bankstown’s 10-year visionary plan, CBCity 2028, is to make our city child-safe and obtain UNICEF status, under the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, as a child-friendly city.”
The council’s Children’s Services staff have also participated in the NSW Government’s Child Safe workshops and have copies of its SAFE book series at each centre. The books contain protective behaviour messages for children aged 2-6, and support the rights of children and promote them having a voice.
Ignoring illegal
CHANGES to the Crimes Act requiring all adults in NSW to report to police if they believe a child is being abused or mistreated, have been welcomed.