CHILD PROTECTION

Mr PISONI (Unley) (15:04): My question is to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Is the education department's Manager of Legislation and Legal Services a qualified lawyer, given that he has advised the governing council of the western suburbs school at the centre of the Debelle inquiry of their legal rights and responsibilities?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:05): I am happy to inquire on behalf of the member for Unley about the qualifications of the head of that unit, but I would make the very strong point that the appointment of public servants within a department like the Department for Education and Child Development is the prerogative of the chief executive officer.