South Australia's Ombudsman found child protection workers acted in error when they informally placed three children in the care of family members against their mothers' wishes. The SA Department for Child Protection removed the children without exercising formal statutory powers, disregarding the parents' clear and persistent disagreement. The Ombudsman's report noted the department used safety plans, which are ordinarily collaborative agreements, without the mothers' agreement.
Twenty-eight parents of transgender and gender diverse children have written to Tasmanian MPs, urging them to support a Greens bill that would ban conversion practices. Conversion practices are any attempt to change, suppress or eradicate a person's sexual or gender identity. The bill is set to be debated in the House of Assembly tomorrow. It needs 18 votes to pass, and the Greens, Labor and independent Kristie Johnston hold 15. Several Liberal MPs have said they will vote against it, and the Liberals have been granted a conscience vote.
Gambling Harm Awareness Week, running from 24 to 31 October, highlights how gambling can harm individuals, families and communities. Gambling advertising and gambling-like features such as loot boxes now reach young people through the apps and games they use daily. Research suggests repeated exposure can normalise gambling before young people are legally allowed to gamble. More than one in four Victorians aged 18 to 24 who gamble experience gambling-related harm. Parents are encouraged to discuss gambling content with young people and consider parental controls and purchase approvals. Free, confidential support is available from Gambler's Help services.
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Julian Leeser, the federal member for Berowra, recently met with P&C executive members from public schools across his electorate for an informal discussion. The talks covered schools, local communities and issues that matter most to families. Leeser, Shadow Minister for Education, said he will take these views into national education policy debates. He noted that public schools are mainly the responsibility of the NSW Government, but that the federal government can also help improve education outcomes. He thanked attendees who gave up their evening to take part.
A free oral health session for parents and carers of children aged 0-2 returns to Yarraville next month. Dentist Dr Bill Madytianos will run the Healthy Smiles session at Yarraville Community Centre on Thursday 12 November, from 2.30 to 3.30pm. Topics include teething, brushing routines, preventing tooth decay, first dental visits and dental emergencies. Dr Madytianos said early habits can have a lasting effect on children's oral health. Places are limited, and an optional take-home pack will be available.
Eleven childcare centres run by collapsed operator Edge Early Learning will close, after administrators could not find buyers for them. Administrators KordaMentha found offers for 53 centres in Queensland and South Australia, including 31 proposed for GoodStart Early Learning. Seven closing centres are in Queensland, three in South Australia and one in the ACT. Some parents learned of the closures only days before they take effect, on October 14. Families who prepaid fees will be refunded by the end of October, and parents have been told of nearby centres with some vacancies.
Nick Reiner, 33, appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court as a judge considered whether evidence in his murder case should be made public. He faces two counts of murder over the deaths of his parents, actor-director Rob Reiner and photographer-producer Michele Singer Reiner. Nick has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail. The hearing focused on releasing grand jury transcripts and exhibits, with a decision delayed until 21 October.
