Families SA Disputes Process

Ms SANDERSON (Adelaide) (14:48): My question is again to the Minister for Education and Child Development. Can the minister advise when the government will establish an independent panel to hear complaints about Families SA? Many parents, foster parents and workers have complained that there is no ability to independently dispute a decision or care concern against them.

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) (14:49): I think the questions that the member for Adelaide has been asking—certainly the last one—is starting to traverse the material that is being looked at by Commissioner Nyland. The government has encouraged all people—including members of the department, I might say—who have things to say that might advance the cause of child safety here in South Australia to get in touch with Commissioner Nyland to—

Mr Marshall: It's not a complaints authority, it is the royal commission.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: The Leader of the Opposition says it's not a complaints authority, but what I am trying to say to members opposite is if they think there should be a complaints authority and if they have good reasons for arguing there should be a—

Mr Marshall: So if they have got a complaint they go to the royal commissioner, is that what you are suggesting to the house?

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Can I just finish. I'm building up to this slowly because I am trying to take one step at a time until we get to the crescendo.

The SPEAKER: Beginning at year zero.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Exactly, exactly. So, as I was saying, if somebody has an idea as to how they might improve the system, including a complaints authority—

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Yes, I know. I am explaining this. I have to keep starting again every time you do this. What I am trying to say, and this is very important, is that if people have suggestions—helpful, driving hints—or anything else they would like to share with the royal commissioner, she is keen to hear, including whether the member for Adelaide or anyone with whom she has been speaking has a long-term or medium-term solution beyond the royal commission—this is the bit the member opposite is waiting for, 'beyond the royal commission'—to deal with complaints. Commissioner Nyland has a very broad remit; a very broad remit.

Mr Marshall interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The leader is living dangerously.

The Hon. J.R. RAU: Commissioner Nyland is so open to not only receiving anybody's complaint but also making a complaint about the fact you can't make a complaint. She wants to know about that too.