Consultations more than adequate

Letter to the Editor - Adelaide Advertiser
27 February

Contrary to comments in the article (Residents snubbed on detainee children, 27 February) the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and the SA Department of Education and Children's Services have ensured a comprehensive consultation process was conducted in line with the requests of the Port Augusta Council.

The Port Augusta Council has 3 representatives on the Government Steering Group Committee (GSGC), including the Mayor. The GSGC has now met twice, the last meeting being on 26 February. At both meetings, the Committee held significant discussions on the consultation process on possible attendance of children from the Baxter IDF at local schools.

At the meeting of 26 February, the GSGC accepted that the South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS) had completed a comprehensive consultation process in relation to the high school that canvassed the views of parents, staff and students. The GSGC also noted that it was appropriate for DECS to respond to DIMIA's request for the Department to provide the children with access to schools. DECS subsequently advised that their decision was to allow 9 children from Baxter IDF to attend the local high school. We understand that the Department conducted a survey of 500 families and only 15 respondents expressed any concerns.

The GSGC also accepted that more consultation was required before primary school children could attend a local school.

The meeting conducted by DIMIA in Port Augusta on Tuesday evening provided the opportunity for local residents to present their views on a range of issues. A broad range of views and feelings were expressed.

Stewart Foster
Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA