CHILD PROTECTION

Mr MARSHALL (Norwood—Leader of the Opposition) (15:18): My question is to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Now that charges have been laid against a former student for an alleged sexual assault on a 13-year-old girl, when and how was the school community notified of this?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:19): As far as I am aware, the school community has not been notified, but the parents of the students involved have been notified. The information that I have is that police have taken statements from the other students and no charges have been laid in relation to those interviews. I am relying very heavily, as you can imagine, on the records that the school has kept. It is some considerable time ago.

There is some disagreement with what has been recorded by the school and the parents, and I understand that they would be distressed about the circumstances in relation to their daughter. That is why I have asked the chief executive officer to make arrangements to meet with this family.

I have met with many families myself in relation to historic events, and I understand how hurtful and distressing these circumstances can be. I also understand that counselling was also offered for all of the students. I would be very keen to know whether the families can validate that offer as well, because I think that it is incredibly important that students are looked after and provided with the support that they need if an event occurs that causes them distress.