10. Question No. 10—ChildrenKAREN CHHOUR (ACT) to the Minister for ChildrenQuestion No. 10—Children10. KAREN CHHOUR (ACT) to the Minister for Children: Is he confident in all the actions and processes of Oranga Tamariki?Hon KELVIN DAVIS (Minister for Children): I'm confident that Oranga Tamariki has made significant progress across a range of topics in the children space including through our work to move to transfer resources and decision making to iwi and communities through the enabling communities work under the future direction plan. So far nine prototypes have been launched with iwi and communities across the country moving decision making and resources closer to tamariki and their whānau. We are already seeing how Oranga Tamariki's change in approach is working with uplifts down 70 percent since 2018 and we now have the lowest number of children in care since 2010. However there is more work to do to improve Oranga Tamariki's practices.Karen Chhour: Can he confirm that the review led by Mike Bush into serious misconduct by staff at Oranga Tamariki youth justice residences will be completed and presented to the Oranga Tamariki chief executive by the end of August as was reported on 10 July 2023?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: Neither myself nor the office have received any version of the drafts of the report. I am advised that the report is still being worked on by Mike and his team. At this stage I do not know when the report will be released as it is being produced independently. I expect the review to comprehensively identify concerns and areas for improvement and provide a plan to address the findings.Karen Chhour: In light of that answer can the Minister then understand why youth care - experienced youth stood outside Parliament today and said Keep your promises." because they are sick of promises being made and not being accomplished?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: If the member had listened it is a report that's being produced independently. If I was to interfere I would be accused of trying to influence the report in my favour.Karen Chhour: Can he explain why four Oranga Tamariki staff members continue to be on paid suspension for over two years?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I think we've covered this in the House before. That is an employment process and of course I can't intervene in an employment process. We have to let it run its course.Karen Chhour: Does he think it's acceptable for 30 young people each month to be housed in motels by Oranga Tamariki due to lack of suitable alternative options and if not what are we doing about it?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: No I don't think it's acceptable but there are times when accommodation can't be found with the young person's whānau or even non-members of the community so we have to keep them safe somehow. Usually they're in a motel for only one to three nights and they are supervised.Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: Does the Minister have confidence that Mike Bush in doing the independent review will be able to give it the rapid response it needs given that he's just been appointed to the civil defence and emergency management response in Hawke's Bay?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I assume that Mike Bush would not have accepted whatever other contract he has if he didn't think he would be able to fulfil his other obligations.Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: Can we expect a preliminary review before the election?Hon KELVIN DAVIS: I've already covered that. If the member had bothered to listen it is an independent review and I cannot influence the time lines. Debbie Ngarewa-Packer: Point of order. The member takes offence at being accused of not listening. I listened extremely well.SPEAKER: OK well we'll call that one all and move on."