The Latest Breaking News from Kate Washington

Pay boost for workers to help fix 'broken' child protection system

Union welcomes pay increase and moves toward new, specific award

Newcastle Herald · Oct 23, 2024

Pay boost for workers to fix 'broken' child protection

Thousands of caseworkers will receive a pay increase in NSW as they battle staff shortages, with the largest wage rise reserved for new starters.

AAP · Oct 23, 2024

Kids at risk in the Hunter remain 'unseen' at alarming rates, reports rise

Latest Department of Communities and Justice data tracks care gap

Newcastle Herald · Oct 15, 2024

Hundreds of baby seahorses released into 'seahorse hotels' at popular beach

Despite its name, the White Seahorse can be yellow.

Newcastle Herald · Sep 6, 2024

NSW minister admits child protection system will continue using motels hours after suggesting ban

Kate Washington tells hearing ‘accredited providers’ will continue with hotel and motel placements for children removed from families

The Guardian - AU · Sep 3, 2024

Hotels for kids in crisis are 'banned', paid carers are back, says Minister

Minns Government announces long-awaited out of home care reforms

Newcastle Herald · Sep 2, 2024

Ban on kids fostered in hotels despite carer shortage

NSW wants to end a reliance on emergency accommodation for at-risk children as a lack of foster carers weighs on attempts to reduce its use.

AAP · Sep 2, 2024

Child protection reform: private providers and bureaucrats put on notice

Minister's warning in first snapshot of promised reform.

Newcastle Herald · Sep 1, 2024

'Biggest investment in social housing in Port Stephens in over a decade'

The Hunter waiting list for social housing in January was 5520.

Newcastle Herald · Aug 30, 2024

'Love and hope for children': push to transform the child protection system

Deeply ingrained risk-based mindsets are preventing reform.

Newcastle Herald · Aug 21, 2024