Personal Explanation

CHILD PROTECTION

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (17:15): I seek leave to make a personal explanation.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: Today during question time I made the remark, 'That is exactly what I said,' in relation to a statement that I said there were no child protection notifications as a result of that offence, in response to a question from the member for Unley. I have reviewed the audio transcript that we have, and I would like to make it clear that, in relation to a question that I was asked about this person's suitability to be working with children, I said, 'As I understand it there were no child protection issues in relation to his screening.'

I was talking about the background screening that had been undertaken by the department. I was then asked, 'But you're not satisfied that he should have been employed?' and I said, 'I'm not satisfied that the proper screening process occurred. And certainly the department isn't satisfied that the proper screening process [occurred].' The meaning and intent of my words last Friday were as I have said today. There is no conflict.

There were no notifications of child protection recorded that showed up during the screening process. That is not to say that the offence could not have caused concern. I was simply responding to what screening processes had been undertaken and what was shown up. So, I want to be very clear that my intent was not in any way to diminish the fact that there may have been issues of concern. I was responding to a question about the process that was undertaken, and I have been assured on numerous occasions that there were no recorded child protection notifications.