Social Development Minister Vandana Mohit has challenged Opposition MP Camille Robinson-Regis to answer questions about the Children’s Authority’s financial management, as their dispute over the institution’s oversight and treatment of children in State care continues.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Mohit accused Robinson-Regis of misrepresenting her concerns about the Authority’s finances as an attack on the professional qualifications of its board.
Mohit said her concerns centred on outstanding liabilities, financial governance and management practices at the institution.
She said she had spearheaded interventions to settle more than $75.5 million in financial commitments, including $36 million in outstanding contractual obligations and $17.8 million in unremitted statutory obligations.
A further $8.25 million was paid towards outstanding commitments on October 15, she said.
“Professional qualifications are no substitute for sound financial management, and a statutory appointment does not place anyone above public scrutiny,” Mohit said.
The minister also raised concerns about transportation expenditure and institutional oversight, saying some matters had been referred to the appropriate authorities for examination.
She defended her limited engagement with the board, saying her interventions had been in writing and that her priority was to address outstanding debts, maintain services and improve accountability.
“I did not create these longstanding financial obligations. I inherited the responsibility to address them, and that is precisely what I have been doing,” she said.
The latest exchange follows a dispute in Parliament during the 2026-2027 Budget Debate, when Robinson-Regis questioned the Government’s oversight of the Authority, its funding and the handling of children in State care.
Robinson-Regis also alleged that Mohit had failed to act on concerns about racially charged remarks at a residential children’s home. Mohit denied the allegation, calling it untrue.
The minister also accused the Authority’s board of undermining the Government and raised concerns about its financial and operational practices.
In a statement following the debate, Robinson-Regis defended the board’s professional qualifications and questioned Mohit’s approach to its oversight.
Mohit said she would continue to defend public funds and the welfare of children in State care.
