The Education and Health Standing Committee (the Committee), Chaired by Janet, undertook this inquiry with the following Terms of Reference:

"That the Committee examine, report and make recommendations into the general health screening of children at pre-primary and primary school level, and specifically to:

(a) Appraise the adequacy and availability of screening processes for hearing, vision, speech, motor skill difficulties and general health; and

(b) Assess access to appropriate services that address issues identified by an appropriate screening process."

The inquiry received written submissions from 33 individuals and groups and heard evidence from 40 witnesses who attended the public hearings.

The Report written following the Inquiry, "Health Child - Healthy State: Improving Western Australia's Child Health Screening Programs" was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 21 May 2009.  In the Chairman's Foreward, Janet noted specific recommendations the Committee asked the Government to address:

• Staffing shortages;
• Waiting Times;
• Early Screening;
• Full participation in State-Federal funding initiatives;
• Hearing, Vision, Speech and Motor Skills;
• Mandatory Inclusion of phonics in teaching English; and
• Additional funding for the necessary staff and services for children in particular areas of need.

The Government Response to the Committee's Report was received by the Assembly on 8 September 2009.  The Minister for Health provided a written response to the Legislative Assembly that was received 11 January 2011; the Minister for Education's response was received 17 February 2011; the Minister for Mental Health's response was received on 1 Febriary 2011 and the Minister for Local Government's response was received on 4 February 2011.