Qld: Springborg shocked by abuse stories

AAP General News (Australia)
02-01-2004
Qld: Springborg shocked by abuse stories

By Nikki Todd.

Cherbourg, Qld, Feb 1 AAP - Indigenous women concerned about rates of child sexual
abuse at their Cherbourg community in south-east Queensland today accused the state government
of ignoring their pleas for help.

About 12 concerned grandmothers, mothers and childcare workers met with Opposition
Leader Lawrence Springborg today, describing horrific incidents of abuse in their community.

They said there were cases where children as young as two had developed syphilis.

Lorian Hayes, who had helped to establish a task force to deal with the issue, said
at least four out of five children would be sexually abused sometime during their childhood
in the community.

Ms Hayes said at least one in 10 children were abused every week in the 2000 strong
aboriginal community.

Another woman told Mr Springborg people were getting angry about the lack of support
from the justice and families departments.

"Our people are not going to be tolerant for too much longer," she said.

"Our people are angry about what is happening to the children."

The woman said their plight had been ignored by the government, with Mr Springborg
the first politician to visit the community since the days of Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

A visibly shaken Mr Springborg accused Premier Peter Beattie of hypocrisy.

"Mr Beattie said when he called this election was about the kids," Mr Springborg said.

"I can tell you Mr Beattie should be here today listening to what these leaders are
saying about what is happening to their kids and their grandkids.

"I must admit that I was shocked by what I learned in there this morning."

Mr Springborg visited the community after the women appealed for Mr Beattie, Attorney-General
Rod Welford and Mr Springborg to visit their community and hear their stories.

The women said Mr Beattie had told them he would visit them after the election was over.

AAP nt/jfs/jv/jlw

KEYWORD: POLLQLD ABUSE

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