CHILD PROTECTION

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:34): Supplementary, Madam Speaker: when the minister refers to advice provided to her, can she tell us whether the advice was provided to her by the department or by a political staffer?

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Education and Child Development) (14:34): The advice was written advice that was prepared by the department in relation to this matter. It was conveyed to me via my adviser. So, there were two forms of advice: advice that was in writing and was very clear, and we also sought confirmation from the same officer, I believe, in relation to this fact. At all times—and I would hope that the house would appreciate this—I gave advice to this place on the basis of advice that was very clear that was given to me.