Pilbara child protection workers to get $13,000 boost as Government tries to attract and retain regional staff

A new financial incentives program to retain child protection workers has been rolled out by the State Government, with workers in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions eligible for incentives of up to $13,000. The new program contains a total of $3.7 million in funding for six regional areas and will come into effect on July 1. The package has been developed by the Department of Communities to bolster frontline staff in regional areas. Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton said the package was created to address the regional staff shortages in what is a vital industry. “The work they do is incredible, and we value what they contribute to our community so much, which is why it’s important we support them as best we can,” she said. “A big part of that support is being able to retain experienced staff and attract new people to fill vacancies in these critical regions, which is why we’ve created this package. “This package further builds on a range of strategies that the State Government has already implemented to boost our child protection workforce, particularly in our regions.” Staff in the Mid West and Gascoyne regions will be eligible for $10,000, while across the Goldfields-Esperance and Wheatbelt regions staff can get access to $6000. Ms Winton said workers in the sector deserved access to the funds as she had witnessed how hard and passionately they had worked firsthand. “I’ve had the great opportunity to meet with and hear from hundreds of child protection workers throughout the State over the past six months,” she said. “These staff care so much for the children they support and work tirelessly to keep them safe.” This package adds to a range of State Government strategies to attract workers to the struggling regional child protection sector including online marketing campaigns, student placements, and talent registers. The payments are offered in regions where the State Government has launched its flagship youth crime prevention program, Target 120. Developed in 2017, Target 120 aims at supporting youngsters aged 10 to 14 who are at risk of becoming repeat offenders. The program has had difficulties engaging children in the program in the regional centre because of recruitment issues. The funding is available for new and existing employees in the sector until June 30, 2024.