House of Assembly Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1) 53 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Ministerial Statement Ministerial Statement Child Protection Child Protection The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL House of Assembly Cheltenham Premier The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier) (14:19): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement. Leave granted. The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL House of Assembly The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: If the allegations at the heart of the matter detailed by police on Tuesday are proven true, then an evil shadow has descended on our state. The entire community shares a sense of disbelief, anger and hurt that such little children could be subjected to such acts of depravity. For the government's part, we are resolved to support and care for the children and their families and to ensure justice is done. Immediate steps to review every element of the way in which we look after our most vulnerable are now being taken. In all of this, it is important that we continue to recognise that the majority of those who work in our child protection systems are decent, honourable people who open their hearts to care for our children. The police have an important and continuing function to investigate these matters and the possibility of any further victims. I have offered them every resource to help them with this most horrific task. At a proper time, it will be necessary for a full and independent judicial inquiry. In my view, this should take the form of a royal commission. We are presently giving thought to the terms of reference and we will consult with the opposition for their views on this. It may be necessary to construct the inquiry in parts to ensure that police and prosecution who are actively engaged in this matter are not distracted from their important work. I have already had the opportunity of having some brief remarks with the Leader of the Opposition about these matters, and I wish to thank him for his support in our response to these matters and, in particular, his kindness to staff who are dealing with these distressing matters.