Ministerial Statement

CHILD PROTECTION

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI (Hartley—Minister for Education and Child Development) (14:04): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. G. PORTOLESI: Clearly, members are aware that I advised the house yesterday of my intention to establish an independent review into a serious matter concerning child abuse and the protection of children. The matter has rightly attracted community concern, and I again make it quite clear that, as Minister for Education and Child Development, my primary concern is the protection and wellbeing of children. I have also made it clear that I acknowledge the importance of the community's right to know, and for parents to be supported in the care and wellbeing of their children.

I reiterate today that we must strike this balance for the community to be assured that allegations are properly investigated in a way that allows the best possible chance of successful prosecution, and that, first and foremost, we protect children. I wish to advise the house today that I have commissioned an eminent former Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia, the honourable Justice Bruce Debelle AO QC, to undertake this review.

I have requested that Justice Debelle carry out this review to specifically examine the events and circumstances surrounding the nondisclosure to the school community of allegations of sexual assault committed by the then director of the out of school hours care service at this Adelaide metropolitan school against a child in his care in 2010.

The review will consider the actions of all relevant agencies and make recommendations relating to the actions of the parties involved, and the procedures and processes that should be in place in these circumstances.

I have requested that this independent review commence as soon as possible, with a view to it being completed by the start of 2013. As a community, our shared objective must be to ensure that we do everything we can to support parents and families in caring for and protecting their children, and I expect the outcomes of this review will further that aim.