Question Time

CHILD PROTECTION

Mrs REDMOND (Heysen—Leader of the Opposition) (14:04): My question is to the Premier. Is it the Premier's unambiguous position that when he was education minister he never became aware of the rape of an eight year old at a state school in any way—not by email, telephone, meeting, briefing, conversation or otherwise? On 1 November the Premier said, 'All critical incidents are always notified to the minister.' Later that day he said, 'There is no indication that this matter was referred to me or my office. Neither I nor my office has any recollection of this matter being raised.'

The next day, the Premier said, and I quote, 'It beggars belief that I wasn't told about this.' A few hours later that day, following the release of an email showing that his office was advised of the rape, the Premier said, and again I quote, 'I was not told about this email until today.' And finally, the Premier said yesterday and again I quote, 'My recollection is that I was not advised of this incident personally.' Premier, what I seek is an unambiguous answer. Were you made aware of this rape in any way during your time as education minister?

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Point of order.

Mr Pisoni: He needs protection, Patrick.

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Ah, it's the member for Unley. He's their Maginot line.

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Pisoni interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Unley, order!

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: It is not open to the Leader of the Opposition—it is 96 and 97, how you ask questions, I am not here to instruct you, though—it is not open to the Leader of the Opposition to make a speech at the end of a lengthy explanation.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Leader, you did restate the question at the end of your explanation. However, I call the Premier.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for State Development) (14:05): Thank you, Madam Speaker, I answered this question yesterday.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr Gardner interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Morialta, order!