Ministerial Statement

Child Protection

The Hon. J.R. RAU (Enfield—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice Reform, Minister for Planning, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Child Protection Reform) (14:51): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: On 9 April this year the State Coroner handed down his comprehensive report into the circumstances of the death of Chloe Valentine. After receiving the report, cabinet resolved to support 19 recommendations in full, provided in-principle support for recommendation 22.13, and committed to look further at recommendation 22.9. I would like to update the house on the implementation of these recommendations.

Recommendation 22.3: the chief executive of the Department for Education and Child Development has issued a direction to all Families SA staff that the paramount consideration must always be the wellbeing and welfare of children. The direction specified that considerations of confidentiality must give way in the face of the primary objective of child safety.

Recommendations 22.4 and 22.5: I have today written to the President of the Legislative Council and the Speaker of this house in accordance with both recommendations. The chief executive has also issued a direction to staff to remind all staff of their obligations under the Children's Protection Act.

Recommendations 22.6, 22.7 and 22.8: these recommendations relate to the application of income protection management in South Australia. I have written to the commonwealth to commence this process.

Recommendation 22.13: cabinet has supported this in principle, noting that a review of the Adoption Act is currently underway. Commissioner Nyland has also been asked to consider this matter.

Recommendation 22.17: the chief executive has issued a direction to all Families SA staff reminding them of the importance of accurate note taking. I am advised Families SA is also developing a training program on professional writing, including case notes and report writing. This course will be mandated for new and existing staff and will commence rollout around the middle of this year.

A further three recommendations required amendments to the act. This morning I gave notice that I will introduce a bill to make these amendments tomorrow. The bill expands on Recommendation 22.2 to capture people convicted of offences of causing serious harm and acts endangering life or causing serious harm, as well as murder, manslaughter and criminal neglect. The proposed amendments are significant, and will make lasting changes to the child protection system.

In response to the remaining recommendations, I have asked that a working group be established that will include the chief executive of the Department for Education and Child Development together with representatives from the Attorney-General's Department, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and the Crown Solicitor's Office. The working group will have input from other relevant agencies as required. I am advised that initial work is already underway.

The government is committed to the implementation of the Coroner's recommendations in a timely manner, and I am pleased to report to the house that significant progress has already been made.