Question Time

SCHOOL VIOLENCE AND BULLYING

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:10): My question is to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Following the bashing of a student at Birdwood High School, why weren't the police called, as recommended in the Cossey report, which was commissioned after the Craigmore High School bashing?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Education and Child Development) (14:10): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for this question, which is a very important question. I have to say, Madam Speaker, we take this matter very seriously, which is why the government did commission the Cossey review. It has been made clear, since the conclusion of that review—and I made it clear the other day on the Leon Byner program—that Birdwood High School should have contacted the police.

I was very clear about that, but the other thing I have to be clear about is the fact that the policy is a good one, and the policy is that there is an expectation—I have made it very clear, the leadership in my department has made it very clear—that police are contacted. My agency has been meeting with site leaders to ensure that the policy is complied with. What we are dealing with here—and I have to say, it is a tragedy; parents drop off their children at school and expect their children to be picked up from school safe and sound.

We also have to acknowledge that our school communities don't breed violence and bullying, they don't breed violence and bullying, and we are dealing with a thousand sites, and with children; it makes it very complex. But I have been very clear: the police weren't called and they should have been.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Light.