Controversial OT Oversight Bill passed
When introduced, the Oranga Tamariki Oversight Bill received widespread criticism from the child and family sector. Concerns centred around the removal of a genuinely independent monitoring agency at a time when the system is under great pressure and around the increased complexity to the process of bringing complaints. Despite those criticisms continuing, Parliament passed the Bill at the end of August. The legislation will see the replacement of the Children’s Commissioner with a three to six-person board and split oversight of Oranga Tamariki between a new Independent Monitor and the Ombudsman. |