House of Assembly: Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Contents

CHILD PROTECTION

Mr MARSHALL (Norwood—Leader of the Opposition) (14:41): My question is to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Did any of her ministerial advisers call the mother of the girl who was allegedly assaulted at the southern suburbs school on 1 July just prior to the release of the Debelle inquiry to advise that the alleged sexual assault case was to be investigated?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Education and Child Development, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:41): I understand there was a conversation on 1 July and I think that was in relation to a follow-up email that was received from the mother over the weekend some time, so it was 1 July. Can I also advise the house I have checked in relation to contact with the family and I understand the CE advised the lawyers that have been engaged by the family that the matter had been referred to the Ombudsman, so I understand that it was the request of the lawyers that all of those matters go through them, so the CE undertook that.