Ministerial Statement

VICTIMS OF CRIME FUND

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (17:49): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: In response to a question without notice from the member for Bragg to the Attorney-General during question time today, I would like to reiterate comments I have already made publicly.

A public servant worked in my office as my personal assistant until 10 August 2012. I understand this person is now on leave from her substantive position in the Public Service. This person appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on 12 October 2012 charged with eight offences relating to an investigation of her husband, an employee of the Attorney-General's Department, involving the Victims of Crime Fund.

Let me assure the house, my office has no involvement in approving or administering payments under the Victims of Crime Fund. Also let me assure the house that I have no role in controlling or directing investigations or prosecutions, nor would I seek to do so.

To suggest otherwise is an attempt to cast aspersions not only on the Attorney and myself, but on the Crown Solicitor, prosecuting authorities and senior South Australian police. At all times I have acted on the advice of the Anti-Corruption Branch in dealing with this matter.

I have been both shocked and saddened by these events as was, no doubt, the deputy leader of the Liberal opposition in the Legislative Council upon learning recently that a member of her staff had been convicted of 74 counts of fraud.

I have been advised by Mr John Venditto, the officer in charge of SAPOL's Anti-Corruption Branch, that the investigation remains ongoing and I am unable, on his strict instruction, to make any further comment on any matter to do with the investigation.