Child Protection

Ms SANDERSON (Adelaide) (14:40): My question is to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Does the minister believe it is appropriate that someone who is still learning is the caseworker responsible for a vulnerable child, especially when there are signs that the child is at risk?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Education and Child Development) (14:41): I thank the member for Adelaide for her question. Clearly it is an issue that has been raised in the coronial inquest that is currently underway. Whether I think it is appropriate or not, the fact of the matter is that we have invested enormously in child protection in South Australia. The Coroner is looking at a very tragic case. I am not going to stand in this house and make judgement over reports that have been made in the paper. What I will do is await the Coroner's inquest and the recommendations he makes. But I am happy to point out to this chamber the investment that we have made in child protection whilst we have been in government. We have—

The SPEAKER: It would not be relevant. Member for Adelaide.