Child Molesters, Child Abuse Effects: Bulimia, Eating Disorders, Addictions

Opposition Leader Colin Barnett yesterday unveiled details of the plan, announced by the Liberal Party in June.

The mandatory reporting plan, estimated to cost $15 million a year, is part of the Coalition's first comprehensive policy launch.

The children's policy - which contains initiatives worth $83.5 million - also includes establishing an Office for the Commissioner for Children at a cost of $5 million a year; a $1 million commitment to match local community funding to improve playgrounds; $1.5 million to set up a children's card to provide police clearance for people who work with children; stricter classifications guidelines for children's media; and $750,000 for child injury prevention.

Flanked by Opposition spokeswoman for children Barbara Scott, Mr Barnett said professionals would be trained to ensure they could identify child abuse.

"WA is the only state in this country that does not require mandatory reporting of abuse against children," he said. "It's not about a penalty system, it's just creating a clear statutory obligation on professionals in the area. Let's face it, this is about protecting kids."

Mr Barnett did not give details about the penalties for those who breached the statutory obligation to report suspected abuse or neglect.

The Gallop Government has previously rejected mandatory reporting after a report by the University of Western Australia found such laws throughout the world were in chaos and said there was no evidence compulsory reporting was effective in protecting children.