Question Time

CHILDREN IN STATE CARE INQUIRY

Mr HAMILTON-SMITH (Waite—Leader of the Opposition) (15:57): As a consequence of the Mullighan report, will the Premier apply the same standards to himself and his government as he required of the Anglican Church after its inquiry into child abuse? On 1 June 2004, the Premier told the house he believes that the Anglican Church must involve itself in adequate and fair compensation for those who were abused. On 17 June 2004 it was reported in The Advertiser that the Premier had called on the Anglican Church to 'exercise their demons' and show moral and ethical leadership.

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (15:57): I think the actual word was 'exorcise' not 'exercise'.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. M.D. RANN: I have already announced today that I do believe that there must be an apology—an apology that must be given in this place (hopefully supported by all members) on behalf of every government going over decades for the fact that these children in the care of the state were so horribly abused. I have said that there must be an apology. I said also that, as part of the healing process, there must be every effort to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. I also said that I believe that not only should there be compensation but that there will be compensation. That is why, of course, we have a Victims of Crime Compensation Fund, which has been topped up with extra funding. I believe that compensation not only will be available but must be available.