Child Protection

Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (14:32): Was police commissioner Gary Burns correct when he stated this morning on ABC 891 radio that a care concern notice was provided to SAPOL by Families SA regarding the Families SA employee charged with multiple child sexual assaults?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Education and Child Development) (14:32): Everything that I have said publicly in relation to this matter has been guided by advice that I have received. My first priority throughout this whole process has been about these children and their families: providing the support that they need; making sure that we got advice out to families of the school in which this person was employed; and thirdly, being very, very careful about what I say publicly so as not to circumvent or impede the investigation, or circumvent the judicial process that is going to occur. That is very, very important.

Today, the police commissioner provided some additional information to the South Australian public and I am very pleased. It is my position, and I know it is the Premier's position; it is this government's position: we would like to provide as much information as early as we can to the public. But I will not say anything that is going to jeopardise this investigation.

I am advised that the police commissioner issued a further statement today and in that statement he said and I quote, 'I am satisfied that the government's position in relation to the release of details has been consistent with the advice provided by SAPOL.

Mr MARSHALL: Supplementary, sir.

The SPEAKER: Final supplementary.